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Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2017  with  funding  from 

University  of  Illinois  Urbana-Champaign  Alternates 


https://archive.org/details/pomologicalmanua00prin_1 


THE 


POMOLOGICAL  MANUAL; 

OR, 

A TREATISE  ON  FRUITS : 

containing 

DESCRIPTIONS  OF  A GREAT  NUMBER 

OF  THE  MOST  VALUABLE  VARIETIES 

FOR  THE  ORCHARD  AND  GARDEN. 


“ When  A.utumn  basks,  with  fruit  empurpled  deep, 
My  pleasing  theme  continual  prompts  my  thought; 
Presents  the  downy  peach  ; the  shining  plum  ; 

The  ruddy,  fragrant  nectarine  ; and  dark, 

Ileneath  his  ample  leaf,  the  liiscioUs  tig.” 


BY  WILLIAM  ROBERT  PRINCE, 

A-iithor  of  a Treatise  on  the  Vine,  ffC. 

AIDED  BY 


WILLIAM  PRINCE, 

Proprietor  of  the  Linnsean  Botanic  Garden  and  Nurserie.s ; Vice-Pre.sident  of  the  New-York 
Horticultural  Society;  Member  of  the  Linniean  Society  of  Paris;  of  the  Horticultural  Societies 
of  London  and  Paris;  of  the  Imperial  Society  of  the  Georgofili  at  Florence  ; Honorary  Member 
of  the  Massachusetts  Horticultural  Society,  etc.  etc. 


PART  T. 

SECOND  EDITION. 


NEW-YORK: 

PUBLISHED  BY  T.  & .1.  SWORDS,  G.  & C.  & II.  CAUVIUL,  E BLISS,  COLLINS  & f O 
G.  TIIORBURN  & SONS,  NEW-YORK;  .lUDAII  DOBSON,  PHILADELPHIA 
I.  B.  RUSSELL,  BOSTON;  GIDEON  B.  SMITH,  BALTIMORE; 

JA.MES  WINSTON,  RICHMOND;  AND  .lOSEPH 
SIMMONS,  CHARLESTON,  S.  C. 

1832. 


Entered,  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1831,  by  William 
Robert  Prince,  in  the  Clerk’s  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  Southern 
District  of  New-York. 


J.  SEYMOtTB,  PBIWTEn,  JOHif-STHEET. 


fi  j (.  A ^ IS  f^yy 


TO  THE 


634>^ 


P93p2 

Oyp  2. 

PRESIDENT  AND  MEMBERS 

OF  THE 


MASSACHUSETTS  HORTICULTURAL  SOCIETY. 


In  the  dedication  of  a work  like  the  present,  the 
attention  is  naturally  drawn  to  those  individuals  and 
associations  which  evince  the  most  zeal,  and  devote 
the  most  care  and  labour  to  the  advancement  of  the 
object  the  author  has  in  view. 

The  association  of  such  men  as  possess  not  only 
great  intelligence,  but  are  also  ardently  attached  to 
Horticulture,  and  anxious  for  its  complete  elucida- 
tion, has  given  to  your  Society  a distinguished  claim 
to  public  respect,  and  has  also  created  a high  opinion 
of  its  present  and  anticipation  of  its  future  usefulness. 

It  is,  therefore,  with  much  satisfaction  that  I dedi- 
cate this  work  to  the  Massachusetts  Horticultu- 
ral Society,  with  the  hope  that  it  may  contribute 
its  mite  of  information  in  the  great  field  of  that 
Science,  to  which  its  author,  in  common  with  your- 
selves, is  most  warmly  attached. 

With  the  highest  respect. 


-■7  1 
■ ;■  J 


Wm.  ROBERT  PRINCE. 


ABBREVIATION  OF  AUTHORITIES  QUOTED. 


Pr.  Hort.  Prince’s  TrCcjttise  on  Horticulture. 

Pr.  Cat.  William  Printe  & Sons’  Catalogue  of  the  Linnajan  Botanic  Garden  and  Nurseries, 
twenty-sixth  edition. 

Pr.  Cat.  25  ed.  Ditto,  tw^ty-fifth  edition. 

Dull.  Duhamel  Dumonceau  Traite  des  Arbres  Fruitiers. 

Duh.  Syn.  Synonyme  according  to  Duhamel. 

O.  Duh.  Duhamel  DumonceaU,  first  edition. 

O.  Duh.  syn.  Synonyme  according  to  the  first  edition  of  Duhamel 
N,  Duh.  Duhamel  Dumonceau,  nouvelle  edition,  1825. 

Roz.  Abbe  Rozier. 

Roz.  syn.  Synonyme  according  to  Abbe  Rozier. 

Pom.  Mag.  Pomological  Magazine. 

Land.  Hort.  Cat.  Fruit  Catalogue  of  the  London  Horticultural  Society. 

Lond.  Hort.  Trans.  Transactions  of  the  London  Horticultural  Society. 

Lang.  Pom.  Langley’s  Pomona. 

MU.  Miller’s  Gardener’s  Dictionary,  edition  of  1807. 

Mil.  syn.  Synonyme  accorditig  to  Miller. 

For.  Forsyth  on  Fruit  Trees,  seventh  edition,  which  is  the  edition  invariably  referred  to  in 
this  work. 

For.  syn.  Synonyme  according  to  For'syth. 

Evel.  Evelyn  Silva. 

Evel.syn.  Synonyme  according  to  Evelyn. 

Co.re.  Coxe  on  Fruit  Trees. 

Die.  d’Agric.  Dictionnaire  Raisonne,  et  Universel,  d’ Agriculture. 

Die.  d'Agric.  syn.  Synonyme  according  to  the  preceding  Dictionnaire. 

Tourn.  Tournefort. 

Van  Mans.  Van  Mons  Arbres  Fruitiers. 

Quin.  Q,uintinye. 

Quin.  syn.  Synonyme  according  to  Quintinye. 

Fes.  Amer.  Gard.  Fessenden’s  American  Gardener- 
How.  Jard.  Bon  Jardinier. 

Calv.  Calvel. 

Kraft.  Kraft  Pomona  Austrian.'. 

Jard.  Fruit. — Nois.  Jard. — Noisette's  Jaidin  Fruitier. 

Nois.  Cat.  Noisette’s  Catalogue. 

Nois.  Man.  Noisette’s  Manual. 

Pom.  Austr.  Pomona  Austriaca. 

Christ.  Christ  Pomolog. 

Tasch. — Taschenb. — Taschenbuch. 

Pers,  Synop.  Persoon  Synopsis  Plantarum. 

Poit.  et  Turp.  Traite  des  Arbres  Fruitiers,  par  A.  Poiteauet  P.  Turpin. 

Switz.  Switzer. 

Hook.  Pom.  Lond.  Hooker  Pompna  Londinensis. 

Knoop  Pom.  Knoop  Pomologia. 

Diel  Pom.  Diel  Pomona. 

VVild.  Sp.  Wildenow  Species  Plantarupi. 

Lin.  Linnajus. 

Pal.  Pallas. 

Gmel.  Gmelin  Flora  Sibirica. 

Lei.  Lelieur  Pomona  Francoise. 

Mayer.  Mayer  Pomona. 

Pom.  Fr.  Mayer  Pomona  Franconica. 

G Lind,  in  Hort.  Trans.  G.  Lindley  in  the  Transactions  of  the  London  Horticulfural  Soc. 
Lux.  Cat.  Catalogue  of  the  Garden  of  the  Luxembourg. 

Down.  Samuel  Downer,  Esq.  of  Massachusetts. 

Ehrh.  Beitr.  Ehrhart  Beitrage  zur  Naturkunde. 

Auth.  Author  of  this  work. 

Hitt.  Hitt’s  Treatise 


I 


INDEX  TO  PART  1. 


ADOPTED  NAMES. 


APRICOTS. 

Alberge 

Alexandrian 

Algiers 

Apricot  of  Noor 

Black 

Blotched-leaved 

Breda  

Brussels 

Ilcmskirke 

Holland 

Masculine 

Monstrous  Peach 

Moorpark 

Musch  Musch 

Orange 

Peach  

Portugal 

Provence 

Purple  peach-leaved 

Red  Angoutnois 

Roman 

Royal 

Siberian 

Turkey 

White  Masculine 


PEARS. 


Admiral 

Ah  ! mon  Dieu 

Arnbrette 

Angel 

Angelique  de  Rome 

Angleterre 

d’hiver  

de  Noisette 

Apple 

Ashton  town 

A urate 

Bassia 

Beauty  of  Brussels 

of  Winter 

of  Suiniiier 

of  Autumn 

Belle  Audibert 

Bessa-  

et  Bonne 

Bequesne 

Bergarnotte  Cadctte 

de  Soulers 

Sylvange 

Early 

Early  French 

Easter 

English  Autumn- - 
French  Autumn-  - 

Oansels 

Holland 

Red 

Summer 

Swiss 

Beurre  blanc 

d’Ardempont 

d’Aremberg 

Diel 

Ranco 


159 

162 

164 

168 

170 

161 

164 

164 
169 

165 

157 

159 
161 

167 
163 

158 
162 

168 
172 
167 
165 
162 
172 

160 
157 


66 

37 

122 

25 

80 

55 

120 

150 

99 

129 

12 

37 

150 

112 

30 

64 

119 

120 
128 
105 

76 
78 

77 
69 

69 
77 
71 

70 
74 

73 
68 
68 

74 
48 
91 

51 

52 
5-1 


Beurre  Romatn 

Spence 

Brown 

Black-seeded 

Easter--  

Bezi  de  la  Motte 

de  Caissoy 

de  Montigny 

d’Hery 

Blanquet,  Great 

Large  round 

Long  stalked 

Little 

Bloody 

Bonchretien  d’Auch 

Summer 

Musk  Summer 

Rushmore’s 

Spanish 

Williams’ 

Winter 

British  Russet 

Cajsar 

Capiaumont 

Cardinale 

Calebash 

Cassante  de  Brest 

Cassolette 

Great 

Catillac 

Chair  a dame 

Champ  riche  d’ltalie 

Chaptal 

Chat-brusle 

Ctiauniontel 

Chio 

Clap 

Colmar 

Golden 

Crasanne 

Variegated 

Cushing 

Dix 

Donville 

Double-headed 

eyed 

flowering 

“ with  striped  fruit- 

Doyenne,  white 

Gray 

Duchess  of  Angoiileme 

Echassery 

Egg 

Epargne- 

Figue,  or  Petulless 

Fine  Gold  of  Summer 

of  September 

Flemish  Beauty 

Forelle 

Forty  Ounces 

Franc-real 

Summer 

Frangipane 

Gillogillc 

Gore’s  Heathcot 

Green  Chisel 

Grise  Bonne 


55 

135 

49 

151 

53 

79 

125 

48 

36 

15 


16 

17 
26 
94 
59 
61 

147 

93 
137 

92 

22 

98 
127 

90 

67 

65 

31 

32 
109 

34 

114 

109 

89 

94 

129 

143 

99 

151 

75 

76 

144 

142 
84 
29 

18 

107 

108 
43 
46 
126 
124 

36 

152 
27 
18 
65 

133 

130 
118 
104 

134 
49 

111 

143 
14 
34 


VI 


INDEX. 


Gros  Hastiveau  fie  la  Foret 18 

Grosse  poire  de  Vitrier 107 

Guernsey 145 

Harvard 145 

Hastiveau 17 

Imperial 116 

Jalousie 67 

Jargonelle 154 

Johonnot 146 

Kitchen 98 

Lansac 115 

Large  Crimson 19 

oblong 89 

Lewis 140 

Long  Rosewater 147 

Louise  bonne 97 

Louison 86 

Madeleine 13 

Mansuette 62 

Marie  Louise 131 

Marquise 80 

Martin — sec 58 

sire 62 

Mauni 89 

Messire  Jean 82 

Mouthwater 56 

Muscadelle 22 

Large 23 

Muscat  Fleuri 12 

Roye 134 

Robert 11 

Royal 11 

German 81 

Red 12 

Flowered  Autumn 129 

Musk  Drone 25 

Little 10 

Naples 78 

October  Crimson 86 

tignonet 24 

de  Provence 24 

Orange,  Musk 40 

Red 40 

Striped 42 

Wintei 41 

Pa.sse  Colmar 101 

Pastorale 113 

Payeney 98 

Perfumed 23 

Pine-apple 136 

Poire  de  Jardin 103 

a gobert 97 

de  pendant 84 

passans 91 

des  Chartreux 37 

Pound 149 

French 117 

Present  de  Malines 135 

Priest’s  pear lOS 

Princess  of  Orange- 127 

Provence 85 

Rateau 110 

Red  cheek 148 

flowering 27 

Robine 33 

Ronville 63 

Rougeaude 88 

Rousselet  de  Rheims 20 

Early 20 

Great 21 

Winter 21 

Ronsseline 90 

Royal  Winter 81 

Saint  Pete U3 

I.aurent 83 

Lezain 66 

Martial 78 

Francois N5 

Augustin 114 


Saintonge 82 

Saint  Germain 95 

“ Summer 30 

“ Prince’s 146 

“ Uvedale’s 130 

Salviati 32 

de  Provence 33 

Sapin 29 

Sarasin 121 

Seckel 139 

Sieulle 151 

Stevens’  Genesee* 145 

Skinless 138 

Striped  long  green 57 

Summer  Beauty 26 

Vermilion 88 

Rose 38 

Melting 148 

Thorn  of  Thoulouse 28 

Great 28 

Small 28 

Sugar,  Early 9 

Green 57 

Swan’s  Egg 150 

Tarquin 103 

The  Prince’s  Pear 35 

Tonneau 108 

Treasure--- 117 

Trompe  Cassaire 1.34 

Trouv6 113 

Turkish 41 

Valine  Franche 83 

Vanderveer 153 

Vine,  or  Lady’s 53 

Virgouleuse 67 

Vitrier 106 

Windsor 155 

Winter  Thorn 105 

Nelis 132 

Wonder  of  Winter 106 

PEACHES. 

Admirable 196 

Alberge,  A'ellow 182 

Early  yellow 183 

Apricot  Peach 194 

Barrington 200 

Beauty  of  Vitry 193 

Bellegarde 181 

Cardinale 199 

Catharine 194 

Chancellor,  English 188 

French 189 

Chevreuse,  Early 177 

Late 178 

Belle 178 

Early  Purple 189 

French  Blood  Peach 198 

George  the  Fourth 192 

Ispahan 180 

Late  purple 191 

Magdalen,  White 185 

Late  red - 185 

Small  white 186 

Madeleine  Courson 184 

Magdalen  clingstone 19S 

Malta 191 

Mignonne,  Small,  or  Petite 174 

Grosse 186 

Late - 187 

Monstrous  Pomponne 197 

Nivette 196 

Noblesse 175 

Nutmeg,  Earliest  white 173 

Red 173 

Round  transparent 188 

Royal  George 179 

Vinous  purple - 190 


* This  title  will  be  adopted  in  future,  Mr. Guernsey  having  informed  me  that  it  was  raised 
from  seed  by  Mr.  Stevens,  and  that  it  ought  to  bear  this  name. 


PREFACE. 


The  object  of  this  work  is  to  present  to  the  public  definite  descrip- 
tions of  the  choicest  varieties  of  fruit  suited  to  the  orchard  and  the 
garden,  and  best  calculated  for  cultivation  in  our  country ; and  to 
thereby  afford  those  who  desire  to  make  selections,  a sufficient  degree 
of  information  to  enable  them  to  do  so,  with  advantage  to  themselves, 
and  in  a manner  that  will  comport  with  their  wishes. 

In  pursuance  of  this  task,  all  publications  of  the  highest  authority 
will  be  carefully  consulted,  and  such  matter  as  is  important  to  the  in- 
tended object  will  be  transferred  to  the  present  work. 

The  synonymae  will  be  most  ample,  and  much  more  comprehensive 
than  any  that  has  hitherto  appeared,  and  will  consequently  render  great 
aid  towards  defining  with  accuracy  the  respective  varieties,  and  also 
dispel  many  of  the  errors  which  have  crept  into  similar  publications. 

The  works  of  Duhamel,  Rozier,  and  of  the  London  Horticultural  So- 
ciety, stand  first  in  the  rank  of  pomological  publications,  and  have  shed 
great  light  upon  the  subject;  but  the  field  is  so  ample,  that  an  immen- 
sity of  labour  still  remains  to  be  performed,  ere  we  can  perfect  the  great 
task  in  view.  Let  it  then  be  made  the  purpose  of  every  one  who  is 
conversant  therewith,  to  contribute  his  mite  towards  the  general  stock 
of  information ; and  by  constantly  hoarding  the  tributes  which  intelligent 
minds  may  thus  offer,  and  whose  opportunities  may  be  peculiarly  fa- 
vourable for  investigation,  we  shall  in  the  end  arrive  at  such  a consum- 
mation as  is  alone  attainable  by  the  united  labours  of  pomologists 
throughout  the  world. 

The  studies  of  nature  have  been  wisely  ordained  by  Omnipotence  as 
the  most  pleasing  to  the  mind  of  man  ; and  it  is  in  the  unbounded  field 
which  natural  objects  present,  that  he  finds  that  enjoyment  which  their 
never-ending  novelty  is  peculiarly  calculated  to  impart,  and  which  renders 
their  study  devoid  of  that  satiety  which  attaches  itself  to  other  pursuits. 
Most  wisely  has  it  been  thus  prescribed,  that  by  an  occupation  of  the 
mind,  in  itself  inviting  and  recreative,  we  should  be  insensibly  led  on  to 
a development  of  the  intricacies  of  nature,  and  be  thus  taught  to  appre- 
ciate the  beneficence  of  the  Creator,  by  a knowledge  of  th^  perfection 
and  beauty  which  mark  the  labours  of  his  hand. 

The  establishment  whence  this  work  emanates  is  tlie  oldest  of  the 
kind  in  our  country,  and  it  has  from  its  commencement  been  the  primary 
desire  of  its  proprietors  to  preserve  the  utmost  accuracy  ; in  doing  which, 
pecuniary  considerations  have  been  deemed  a subject  of  but  minor 
importance,  their  nurseries  and  garden  being  a family  inheritance,  in 
the  high  character  and  perpetuity  of  which  they  have  not  only  enlisted 
their  interest  and  welfare,  but  whose  advancement,  as  a great  national 
institution,  has  been  made  a particular  object  of  their  feelings  and  pride. 

It  has  long  been  a received  opinion  among  a portion  of  the  public,  that 
the  proprietors  of  nurseries  prefer  to  perpetuate  a plurality  of  names  for 
the  same  fruit,  and  are  not  desirous  to  reduce  the  nomenclature  to  a cor- 
rect basis,  but  find  an  advantage  in  the  confusion  which  exists.  This 
opinion  has  gained  credence  from  the  circumstance  that  the  same  fruit  is 
cultivated  in  some  nurseries  under  two,  three  or  more  names ; but  as  so 


Vlll 


PREFACE. 


erroneous  a practice  is  most  generally  attributable  to  the  ignorance  of 
the  proprietor,  and  seldom  arises  from  an  intention  to  deceive,  the  opinion 
referred  to  is  not  supported  by  the  premises. 

It  must,  however,  be  acknowledged  as  a correct  position,  that  the  pro- 
prietor of  a nursery  ought  invariably  to  possess  a full  knowledge  of  the 
qualities  and  peculiarities  of  the  respective  varieties  of  fruits  which  he 
cultivates,  as  without  such  information  he  would  be  altogether  incompe- 
tent to  institute  the  necessary  comparisons,  and  to  correct  the  inaccura- 
cies which  occasionally  creep  into  such  establishments  ; for  there  is, 
perhaps,  no  other  profession  where  close  attention  and  minute  investiga- 
tion are  so  indispensable  to  the  maintenance  of  strict  accuracy.  So  aU- 
importanHs  this  point  of  consideration,  that  the  permanency  and  future 
prosperity  of  a nursery  wholly  depend  on  its  character  for  accuracy  being 
supported ; and  it  is  only  where  the  owner  intends  to  speedily  discontinue 
his  establishment,  that  he  can  be  so  indifferent  to  its  character  as  to 
intentionally  injure  the  public  by  deceptions. 

'The  peculiar  appropriateness  of  our  country  to  the  culture  of  the 
various  fruits,  and  the  advantages  of  soil  and  climate  for  the  formation 
of  extensive  orchards,  and  for  enriching  our  gardens  with  the  choicest 
productions  of  other  climes,  render  the  study  of  pomology  one  of  high 
and  increasing  interest.  Horticultural  pursuits  add  not  only  to  the 
pleasures  and  conveniences  of  life,  but  tend  greatly  to  advance  the 
wealth  of  a community.  In  this  vicinity,  and  in  many  other  sections  of 
our  country,  the  extensive  orchards  are  sources  of  large  revenue,  and 
greatly  enhance  the  value  of  the  respective  farms  on  which  they  are 
located.  Indeed,  in  this  neighbourhood,  a farm  without  a good  orchard  is 
deemed  incomplete.  Even  those  persons  who,  from  the  pressure  of  other 
avocations,  necessarily  confine  their  attention  to  horticulture  within  the 
limits  of  a garden,  find  there  the  source  of  much  gratification  ; while 
it  affords  them  a most  pleasurable  recreation,  and  allows  the  mind  to 
relax  from  the  more  arduous  pursuits  of  life.  The  scientific  cultivator 
cannot  fail  to  find  a perpetual  source  of  interest  and  amusement  in  the 
numberless  novelties  and  peculiarities  which  will  arrest  his  attention. 

It  is  not  proposed  here  to  enter  upon  a discussion  of  the  methods  of 
culture  best  adapted  to  the  various  species  of  fruit,  that  subject  being 
reserved  for  its  proper  place.  It  must  be  evident  to  every  one  that  the 
natural  advantages  which  our  country  presents,  are  daily  attaining 
to  a more  ample  development,  and  to  a more  correct  appreciation  of 
their  value  by  our  intelligent  citizens  ; and  we  need  not  doubt  that  a 
most  successful  result  will  eventually  crown  their  labours. 


POMOLOGICAL  MANUAL, 


j 


PEARS. 

Early  sugar.— Pr.  ca^* 


Joannet,  N.  Duh. 

Amir^  Joannet,  Roz.  O.  Duh. 
Joannette. 


Petit  Saint-Jean* 

Archduc  d^ite,  erroneously* 
St,  John^ s pear. 


This  fruit  is  regularly  pyriform,  twenty  three  lines  in  height, 
and  fifteen  in  diameter.  The  eye  is  even  with  the  extremity 
of  the  fruit,  and  that  part  is  of  very  round  form,  diminishing 
gradually  in  size  to  the  stem,  which  is  fifteen  to  twenty  lines 
in  length.  The  skin  is  almost  invariably  of  an  uniform 
colour,  at  first  a clear  green,  which  changes  to  a lemon  colour 
at  maturity ; in  some  few  cases  the  part  exposed  to  the  sun 
partakes  of  a slight  Shade  of  red.  The  flesh  is  white,  deli- 
cate, somewhat  juicy  when  first  ripe,  not  high-flavoured  but 
sugary,  and  when  over-ripe  becomes  mealy ; the  seeds  are 
brown,  small,  and  very  pointed.  This  pear  is  usually  the  first 
ripe,  and  is  always  eaten,  in  France,  about  the  period  of  St* 
John’s  day,  whence  it  has  there  obtained  the  title  of  Joannet. 
It  can  be  ingrafted  on  the  quince  stock,  as  well  as  on  the  pear* 
It  grows  quite  slow  when  young,  and  has  not  a vigorous  ap- 
pearance, but  in  time  becomes  a tree  of  considerable  size* 

2 


10 


PEARS. 


LITTLE  MUSK.  Pr.  cat.  Evel.  Mil.  For. 

Little  muscat.  Evel.  Mil. 

Primitive,  or  Little  muscat.  Pr.  cat.  25  ed. 

Petit  miLscat.  Quin.  Roz.  Tourn.  Duh.  Mil. 

Sept  en  gueule.  Roz.  syn.  Duh.  syn. 

Muscat  petit. 

Petit  muscat,  Little  mush,  or  Primitive.  Coxe. 

Supreme,  of  some  English  and  American  collections,  but 
not  of  the  French. 

This  pear,  which  is  one  of  the  very  earliest  at  maturity,  is 
produced  in  clusters  ; it  is  of  a roundish  form,  somewhat  in  the 
shape  of  a top,  very  small,  the  largest  not  exceeding  thirteen 
or  fourteen  lines  in  height  and  twelve  or  thirteen  in  diameter  ; 
it  is  often  somewhat  flattened  at  the  head,  and  the  circum- 
ference of  the  eye  is  swollen  by  some  slight  ridges.  The 
stem  is  in  many  cases  short  and  thick,  at  others  long  and 
slender ; the  skin  is  a yellowish  green  on  the  shade  side,  and 
more  or  less  marbled  with  brownish  red  dots  next  the  sun  ; 
the  flesh  is  half-breaking,  of  an  agreeable  taste,  the  flavour 
rather  high  and  musky  in  the  best  expositions,  but  not  so  in 
others.  The  seeds  are  whitish,  brown  only  at  the  summit,  and 
large  in  proportion  to  the  size  of  the  fruit.  This  variety  of 
pear  ripens  early  in  July,  and  may  be  ingrafted  on  both  quince 
and  pear  stocks.  Unlike  the  preceding  variety,  this  is  one  of 
the  most  vigorous  and  thrifty  growing  pear  trees,  and  remark- 
ably erect  in  its  form,  soon  attaining  to  be  a handsome  and 
stately  tree.  Miller  describes  this  under  two  distinct  heads ; 
first  as  the  Musk,  Little  musk,  or  Petit  muscat,  commonly 
called  the  Supreme ; and  next  as  the  Muscat,  Petit  muscat,  or 
Little  muscat — for  the  former  he  quotes  Duh.  and  for  the  latter 
Tourn.  Forsyth  follows  this  error,  and  continues  it  even  in 
his  seventh  edition ; but  by  reference  to  the  earlier  authors^ 
it  will  be  perceived  there  is  no  authority  for  this  course. 


PEARS. 


11 


ROYAL  MUSCAT.  Pr.  cat. 

Muscat  Royal.  Roz.  Duh. 

This  pear  is  nine  lines  in  height  and  the  same  in  diameter, 
its  general  form  being  that  of  a top  ; the  stem  is  slender,  and 
fifteen  lines  in  length  ; the  skin  is  a little  rough,  and  of  a red- 
dish gray  colour ; the  flesh  is  half-melting,  sweet  and  pleasant ; 
tlie  seeds  are  large  and  black,  and  the  fruit  ripens  at  the  begin- 
ning of  September.  This  variety  has  been  but  latterly  intro- 
duced, and  will  be  found  in  my  catalogue,  26th  edition. 


MUSCAT  ROBERT.  Pr,  cat.  Q,uin.  Evel.  Roz.  Uuh.  For. 


Quin.  Duh.  syn. 
Quin.  Mil. 


Mil. 


Poire  a la  reine, 

Poire  dlamhre, 

Pucelle  de  Xaintonge. 

Queen,  Anther,  The  Princess,  Maiden  of  Flanders, 

Maiden  of  Xaintonge,  Great  mush  pear  of  Cou^, 

Muscat  dlamhre,  > r x -x 

ct  • x T ? 01  different  writers. 

Gros  baint  Jean  musqu^e,  ^ 

Queen^s,  Amber,  Virgin  of  Xaintonge.  Mil. 

Rohine,  Muscat  Rohine,  Musk  Robine.  Mil.  erroneously. 


Evel. 


This  fruit  is  twenty  lines  in  height  and  twenty-three  in 
diameter ; its  shape  is  pyriform,  terminating  in  a point  at  the 
stem,  which  is  eight  to  ten  lines  in  length,  and  around  which 
there  ^re  often  some  slight  furrows ; the  eye  is  large,  very 
open,  aftd  often  surrounded  with  some  swellings  or  ridges ; 
the  skin  is  smooth,  thin,  and  light  green,  becoming  somewhat 
yellowish  when  at  perfect  maturity  ; the  flesh  is  delicate  and 
of  very  rich  and  sweet  flavour ; the  seeds  are  large  and  black. 
The  period  at  which  the  fruit  ripens  is  about  the  middle  of 
July.  The  tree  grows  but  slowly  when  ingrafted  on  the  quince 
stock,  but  vigorously  on  the  pear  stock.  It  will  be  perceived 
that  Miller  confuses  the  Robine  pear  with  this,  by  making  them 
anonymous,  see  No.  14,  Mil.  Card.  Die.;  but  Forsyth  does 
not  follow  him  in  this  error  in  his  seventh  edition. 


12 


PEARS, , 


MUSCAT  FLEURI.  Pr.  cat.  Roz.  Duh. 

Muscat  a longue  queue  d’automnc, 

Long  stalked  muscat  of  autumn,  > Mil.  syn.  erroneously. 

Flowered  Muscat,  ) 

This  little  pear  would  be  perfectly  globular,  if  it  was  not 
partially  flattened  at  the  summit  and  base,  which  causes  its 
diameter  to  rather  surpass  its  height,  the  former  measuring 
fourteen  lines,  and  the  latter  twelve.  The  peduncle  is  very 
long  in  proportion  to  the  size  of  the  fruit,  being  often  twenty 
lines  in  length.  The  skin  is  smooth  and  of  a green  hue,  but 
attains  at  maturity  a light  yellow  tinge  on  the  shade  side,  and  a 
red  mingled  with  fawn  colour  on  the  side  next  the  sun.  The 
flesh  is  slightly  greenish,  half-melting,  not  very  high  flavoured, 
but  somewhat  musky.  The  seeds  are  very  small,  of  a light 
brown  colour,  and  the  fruit  ripens  at  the  end  of  July,  Quin- 
tinye  speaks  of  a Muscat-Fleuri  then  cultivated  in  France  that 
ripened  the  middle  of  October,  to  which  the  three  synonymes 
above  apply,  and  Miller  most  unaccountably  annexes  them  to 
this  variety,  and  even  quotes  the  description  of  that  pear,  al- 
though it  is  totally  distinct  and  a dark  red  fruit. 

RED  MUSCAT.  Pr.  cat, 

Muscat  rouge,  Duh. 

This  pear  is  small,  pyriform,  of  a yellowish  green^colour 
where  shaded,  and  a pleasant  red  next  to  the  sun ; the  flesh 
is  breaking  and  perfumed,  and  the  fruit  ripens  at  the  end  of 
August. 

AURATE.  Pr.  cat.  Roz.  Duh.  Coxe. 

Poire  dor^e. 

Muscat  de  Nancy. 

This  fruit  has  frequently  the  shape  of  a top,  being  fifteen 
lines  in  height,  and  of  the  same  diameter  ; the  eye  is  placed  in 
a shallow  cavity ; the  stem  is  rather  large  in  proportion  to  the 


PEARS. 


13 


fruit,  and  about  an  inch  in  length ; the  skin  is  thin,  of  a very 
pale  yellow  on  the  shade  side,  and  bright  red  on  that  next  the 
sun ; the  flesh  is  half-melting,  not  high  flavoured,  and  is  with- 
out much  juice.  This  pear  ripens  in  July,  and  the  tree  grows 
much  more  vigorously  on  a pear  stock  than  on  the  quince. 

MADELEINE.  Pr.  cat.  Roz.  Duh.  Pom.mag.  Mil.  For.  Coxe. 

Madelaine,  and  Madeline. 

Magdeleine. 

Magdalen.  For.  syn. 

Citron  des  Carmes.  Roz.  syn.  Duh.  syn.  Mil.  For.  and  others. 
Green  Chisel,  of  Miller,  and  of  most  American  gardens. 

Poire  hastweau,  ox  hativean.  i Mil.  erroneously. 

Hasting  pear,  ^ 

Early  Chaumontelle,  of  some  American  collections. 

Duhamel  thus  describes  this  most  excellent  fruit,  which  is 
said  to  have  received  its  name  from  its  ripening  about  the 
period  of  the  fete  de  St.  Madeleine.  The  pear  is  twenty-five 
lines  in  height  and  twenty-four  in  diameter,  and  its  form  is 
precisely  that  of  a top.  The  peduncle  is  very  long,  often  two 
inches ; the  eye,  which  is  nearly  even  with  the  base  of  the  fruit, 
is  surrounded  by  slight  furrows ; the  skin,  which  is  at  first 
entirely  green,  becomes  of  a pale  lemon  colour  when  the  fruit 
is  at  maturity,  and  occasionally,  but  not  often,  acquires  a slight 
tint  of  red  on  the  sunny  side.  The  flesh  is  white  and  .very 
delicate,  perfectly  melting  and  sweet,  with  a slightly  perfumed 
flavour,  accompanied  by  a small  degree  of  acidity  which  ren- 
ders it  extremely  agreeable.  It  may  justly  be  ranked  among 
the  most  estimable  of  the  early  fruits,  being  surpassed  by  none 
and  equalled  by  but  few  of  them.  The  growth  of  the  tree  is 
very  vigorous,  and  its  whole  appearance  particularly  flourish- 
ing, and  it  is  remarkable  for  its  erect  and  stately  form  ; these 
several  characters  so  distinguish  it,  that  it  cannot  well  be  mis- 
taken for  any  other.  The  seeds  are  of  a brownish  red  colour, 
and  the  fruit  ripens  towards  the  end  of  July.  It  can  be  in- 
grafted on  both  quince  and  pear.  The  fruit  does  not  last 
long,  but  keeps  only  a few  days  when  gathered  before  it  be- 
comes soft. 


14 


PEARS. 


There  is  one  fatality  attending  this  tree  that  I have  particu- 
larly noticed,  which  is,  that  it  is  more  subject  to  be  affected 
by  the  fire-blight  than  any  other  variety,  so  far  as  my  expe- 
rience goes,  and  this  fact  would  seem  to  strengthen  the  opinion 
that  such  attacks  are  connected  with  vigour  of  growth  and 
profusion  of  sap,  which  are  particular  characteristics  of  this 
tree.  The  following  additional  descriptive  remarks  are  copied 
from  the  Pomological  Magazine,  a work  published  under  the 
auspices  of  the  London  Horticultural  Society. 

“ Wood  bright,  clear,  reddish  brown,  with  a few  scattered 
prominent  pale  spots ; leaves  cordate,  ovate,  tapering  a little 
to  the  point,  finely  serrated,  and  quite  flat ; fruit  middle-sized, 
turbinate,  with  a thickening  on  one  side  of  the  stalk,  which 
is  about  an  inch  long  (?  Auth.),  eye  slightly  hollowed.  It  bears 
much  resemblance  to  the  Citron  de  Sierenz,  from  which  it 
chiefly  differs  in  the  wood  anddeaves.” 

Miller  states  this  pear  to  have  been  commonly  called  the 
Green  Chisel,  and  in  describing  it  he  quotes  both  the  Citron  des 
Carmes^  and  the  Hastiveaii  of  Duhamel,  which  that  author 
mentions  as  distinct  fruits.  It  is  doubtless  from  this  cause 
that  the  English  at  length  found  they  had  two  pears  under  the 
same  name,  and  that  in  consequence  they  dropped  the  title  of 
Green  Chisel,  (as  has  been  done)  formerly  applied  to  this,  and 
continued  it  for  the  other  variety,  which  from  the  train  of 
circumstances,  is  probably  no  other  than  the  Ilastiveau  of 
Duhamel. 

GREEN  CHISEL.  Lang.  pom.  For.  Pr.  cat.  26  ed. 

Hastiveau,  of  the  French  ? 

The  pear  cultivated  under  this  name  in  most  collections  in 
our  country,  and  originally  so  called  in  Miller’s  Gardener’s 
Dictionary  and  other  English  works,  has  been  already  stated 
to  be  the  Madeleine ; whereas  the  present  one  is  for  reasons 
already  advanced  supposed  to  be  the  Hastiveau  of  the  French 
ct)llections,  still  as  it  may  be  a distinct  variety,  I insert  it. 


PEARS* 


15 


Forsyth  describes  it  as  a middle-sized  fruit,  somewhat  longish 
and  tapering  towards  the  stalk ; and  always  remaining  green 
and  full  of  juice  when  ripe ; it  is  a good  bearer  and  ripens  in 
July,  and  it  is  this  variety  only  that  is  at  present  cultivated  in 
the  London  nurseries,  under  the  name  at  the  head  of  the  article. 


GREAT  BLANQUET.  Pr.  cat.  For. 

Grosse  hlanqiiette.  N.  Duh. 

Gros  blanquet,  or  hlanquette.  Roz.  0.  Duh.  Pr.  cat.  25  ed. 
Blanquet,  or  Gros  Blanquet,'  ) 

Great  blanket,  ^ ^ * 

Musette  d* Anjou,  of  various  authors. 

Roi  Louis. 

Bagpipe  of  Anjou.  Mil.  (See, 

This  fruit  is  twenty-four  to  twenty-six  lines  in  height  and 
eighteen  to  twenty  in  diameter,  and  has  a strong- stem  of  ten 
or  twelve  lines  in  length.  The  skin  is  almost  wholly  of  a 
yellowish  white  hue,  with  occasionally  a slight  degree  of  pale 
j’ed  next  the  sun ; the  flesh  is  breaking  and  rather  coarse,  with 
some  sweetness  and  moderate  flavour ; the  seeds  are  black, 
and  the  fruit  ripens  at  the  beginning  of  August. 


LARGE  ROUND  BLANQUET.  Auth. 

Grosse  blanquelte  ronde.  N.  Duh. 

Gros  blanquet  rond.  Roz.  O.  Duh. 

This  pear  has  the  form  of  a top  ; its  height  is  twenty-two 
lines,  its  diameter  eighteen,  and  the  stem  is  large  and  short, 
being  but  five  lines  in  length ; the  eye  is  pretty  large,  and 
nearly  even  with  the  extremity  of  the  fruit ; the  skin  yellowish 
white  on  the  shade  side,  and  slightly  touched  with  red  next  the 
sun ; the  flesh  . is  white,  half-breaking,  and  sweet,  with  some 
degree  of  flavour.  This  fruit  ripens  at  the  end  of  July  or 
beginning  of  August,  and  has  been  but  lately  introduced  to 
our  country,  where  recent  importations  have  now  concentrated 
nearly  all  the  most  clioicc  varieties  of  other  climes. 


16 


P^ATLSi 


LONG  STALKED  BLANQUET.  Pr.  cat.  For.  Pom.  mag. 

Blanquette  a longue  queue.  N.  Duh. 

Blanquet  d longue  queue.  Roz.  O.Duh.  Mil. 

Long  taiVd  Blanquet.  Evel. 

Long  stalk  Blanquet ^ 

Long  stalked  Blanket.  ^ ^ ' 

Skinless,  of  the  Bostonians  ? 

This  pear  is  small,  being  twenty-one  lines  in  height  and 
nineteen  in  diameter,  terminated  by  an  acute  point  at  the  stem, 
but  handsomely  rounded  next  the  ^e,  which  is  even  with  the 
fruit ; the  skin  is  smooth,  of  a whitish  green  hue,  and  very 
rarely  coloured  with  a partial  tint  of  red  next  the  sun  ; the 
flesh  is  half-breaking,  white,  rather  delicate,  with  abundance 
of  sweet  juice,  perfumed  and  slightly  vinous,  which  render  it 
very  agreeable.  The  seeds  are  light  brown,  and  the  fruit 
ripens  at  the  commencement  of  August. 

I copy  the  following  additional  remarks,  in  regard  to  this 
pear,  from  the  Pomological  Magazine  : 

“ The  tree  is  a great  bearer,  and  the  fruit  does  not  rot  Sb 
quickly  as  most  pears  of  the  same  season ; it  is  one  of  the 
first  that  ripens,  being  in  perfection  (in  England)  from  the 
20th  to  the  30th  of  July.  Compared  with  others  of  the  same 
season,  it  has  high  merit.  The  wood  is  strong,  reddish  brown, 
a little  silvery  on  the  lower  ends,  buds  middle-sized  lying  close 
to  the  wood  ; leaves  small  on  very  long  stalks,  finely  toothed ; 
flowers  broad  with  flat  roundish  petals,  sometimes  rather  pink ; 
fruit  growing  in  clusters,  ( ? B.  d bouquet,  Auih.)  inversely 
egg-shaped;  skin  deep  clear  green,  in  France  acquiring  a 
pearly  lustre  which  it  never  has  here.” 

This  last  description  applies  in  several  respects  very  closely  to 
the  Cluster  Blanquet,  or  Blanquet  d Bouquet  which  is  an  ear- 
lier and  distinct  variety.  In  Fessenden’s  American  Gardener 
it  is  stated  that  this  fruit  is  known  about  Boston  by  the  name 
of  Skinless  pear,  which  is  in  fact  a verydifferent  fruit,  as  will 
be  seen  by  referring  to  Duhamel  and  ‘other  authors  of  cele- 


PEARS. 


17 


LITTLE  BLANQUET.  Pr.  cat.  Evel.  For. 

Petite  hlanquette.  N.  Duh. 

Petit  hlanquet.  Quin.  Roz,  Duh. 

Poire  a la  perle,  Roz.  syn.  Duh.  syn. 

Blanquet  petit.  Pr.  cat.  25  ed. 

Pearl  pear. 

Little  blanket.  Mil. 

Musk  blanquety  or  Blanquette.  Mil. 

Small  Blanquet. 

White  pear,  Evel. 

This  fruit  is  pyriform,  eighteen  lines  in  height  by  thirteen 
in  breadth ; the  skin  is  very  smooth  and  yellowish  white  ; the 
flesh  is  half-breaking,  white,  with  a slight  musk  flavour  and  of 
pleasant  taste.  The  seeds  are  well  formed  and  of  a light 
brown  hue,  and  the  fruit  ripens  the  first  part  of  August.  The 
tree  can  be  ingrafted  on  the  quince  or  pear,  and  is  very  vigo- 
rous and  fruitful. 


HASTIVEAU.  Pr.  cat.  Roz.  Duh. 

Hativeau.  Coxe.  Pr.  cat.  25  ed. 

Hativeaux.  Jard.  fruit. 

Hativau.  Lond.  Hort.  Soc.  cat. 

Green  Chisel.  For.  and  the  modern  English  authors  ? 

This  pear,  which  is  of  turbinate  form  a little  flattened,  usually 
measures  fifteen  lines  in  diameter,  and  thirty-four  in  height, 
and  has  a slender  stem,  whose  length  is  disproportionate  to 
the  fruit,  and  often  measures  eighteen  lines.  The  skin  is  very 
even,  and  entirely  of  a light  yellow  hue  except  on  the  sun  side, 
where  it  has  some  touches  of  bright  red.  The  flesh  is  half 
melting  and  musky,  but  nevertheless  has  but  little  flavour ; 
the  seeds  are  black  and  well  formed,  and  the  fruit  ripens 
about  the  middle  of  July,  the  tree  produces  abundantly,  and 
may  be  propagated  on  both  pear  and  quince  stocks.  I have 
already  stated  my  reasons  for  the  supposition  that  this  may  be 
the  pear  at  present  known  in  England  as  the  Green  Chisel. 

3 


18 


PEARS, 


GROS  HASTIVEAU  DE  LA  FORET.  Pr.  cat.  Duh. 

Gros  liativeau  de  la  for  H. 

Hativeau  gros  de  la  for  it.  Roz.  Pr.  cat.  25  ed. 

Hativau  de  la  for  it.  Lend.  Hort.  Soc.  cat. 

Large  hativeau  of  the  forest. 

This  fruit  is  of  the  shape  of  a top,  and  is  but  eighteen  to 
twenty  lines  in  height,  by  fifteen  or  sixteen  in  diameter,  with 
a large  and  short  peduncle  of  only  eight  or  nine  lines  in  length. 
Its  skin  at  perfect  maturity  is  whitish  in  the  shade,  and  of  a lively 
red  next  the  sun ; the  flesh  is  white,  breaking,  rather  dry  and 
very  slightly  acid,  but  of  no  peculiar  flavour,  and  has  nothing 
to  render  it  particularly  desirable.  The  seeds  are  dark  brown 
and  the  fruit  ripens  about  the  middle  of  August. 

FINE  GOLD  OF  SUMMER.  Pr.  cat.  Coxe. 

Fin  or  d’ite.  Roz.  Duh.  Coxe. 

This  fruit  is  of  medium  size,  and  turbinate  form,  somewhat 
truncate  at  the  end  next  the  stem,  which  is  sixteen  lines  in 
length ; it  is  flattened  at  the  base,  and  the  eye  is  situated  in 
the  centre  of  a small  cavity.  The  skin  is  very  smooth,  of  a 
yellowish  green,  dotted  over  with  red  points  on  the  shade  side, 
and  of  a deep  and  brilliant  red  next  the  sun  ; the  flesh  is  deli- 
cate, greenish,  half  melting,  a little  acid,  and  very  agreeable  ; 
the  seeds  are  black  and  tolerably  large,  and  the  fruit  matures 
about  the  middle  of  August.  I find  by  my  own  observations, 
and  those  of  my  intelligent  friend  Robert  Manning,  Esq.  of 
Salem,  Mass,  that  two  other  varieties  of  pears  are  erroneously 
cultivated  under  this  name  in  some  nurseries,  probably  without 
the  knowledge  of  the  proprietors. 

DOUBLE  EYED  PEAR.  Auth. 

Poire  d deux  yeux.  N.  Duh. 

This  fruit  greatly  resembles  both  in  form  and  in  colour  the 
one  usually  called  here  the  Jargonelle,  which  is  the  Epargne 


PEARS. 


19 


of  the  French;  it  differs  only  in  being  a little  smaller,  its 
greatest  length  is  but  thirty-six  to  thirty-eight  lines,  and  its 
greatest  breadth  twenty-two.  What  particularly  distinguishes 
it,  is  that  it  appears  to  have  two  eyes,  which  is  caused  by  two 
sections  of  the  calyx,  forming  themselves  one  within  the  other 
in  such  a manner  as  to  divide  the  eye  into  two  parts,  and  to 
give  it  the  appearance,  of  being  ^double  ; the  flesh  is  half- 
melting, with  a little  sharpness,  but  of  agreeable  flavour.  In 
the  south  of  France,  this  pear  ripens  as  early  as  the  end  of 
June,  with  us  here  the  period  of  maturity  is  July.  Rozier 
places  the  title  of  this  pear  as  a synonyme  of  the  Poire  d deux 
tetes^  but  the  New  Duhamel  describes  them  as  quite  distinct, 
I have  followed  the  latter. 


LARGE  CRIMSON.  Pr.  cat. 


Grosse  cremesine.  N.  Duh. 


I Pr.  cat.  25  ed. 


Cremesine  aout  ? 


It  is  only  comparatively  with  the  still  smaller  .variety  of  this 
pear,  that  th^present  one  has  received  the  term  of  grosse  or  large, 
for  its  height  is  but  twenty-seven  lines,  and  its  greatest  dia- 
meter twenty-one  lines ; the  stem  is  ten  or  twelve  lines  in 
length,  large  in  comparison  with  the  fruit,  and  is  inserted 
laterally.  The  skin  is  a whitish  green  in  the  shade,  and  of  a 
lighter  or  darker  hue  of  crimson  on  the  side  exposed  to  the 
sun.  The  flesh  is  somewhat  firm,  of  a high  and  sugary  fla- 
vour, and  the  seeds  are  dark  brown  or  nearly  black.  The 
Petite-cremesine  only  varies  from  the  preceding  by  being 
rather  smaller  and  in  general  not  so  highly  coloured.  These 
two  kinds  are  much  cultivated  in  Provence,  (France,)  where 
they  ripen  in  July;  in  this  latitude  they  will  probably  mature 
their  fruit  by  the  first  of  August. 


20 


PEARS. 


EARLY  ROUSSELET.  Pr.  cat.  For. 


Roz.  syn.  Duh.  syn. 


Rousselet  hatif.  Roz.  Duh. 

Poire  de  Chypre, 

Perdreau, 

Cyprus  pear, 

Catherine,  or  Kaitern,  of  the  Bostonians,  according  to  Fess. 
Amer.  Gardiner. 


This  fruit  is  small  and  pyriform,  twenty-two  to  twenty-four 
lines  in  height,  and  eighteen  to  twenty  in  its  greatest  diameter, 
it  is  rounded  at  the  head  with  a partial  cavity  to  receive  the 
eye.  The  stem  is  large  in  proportion  to  the  fruit,  and  is 
rarely  more  than  nine  or  ten  lines  in  length.  The  skin  is 
delicate,  yellowish  in  the  shade,  and  of  a rather  lively  red, 
mingled  with  small  grey  spots  next  the  sun.  The  flesh  is 
white,  with  a partial  tint  ofyellow,  half-breaking,  of  an  agree- 
able fragrance,  with  a sweet  and  perfumed  flavour.  This 
pear  ripens  here  at  the  end  of  July,  and  greatly  resembles 
the  Rousselet  de  Rheims,  but  has  less  flavour  and  perfume. 
In  Fessenden’s  Amer.  Gardener,  it  is  stated  that  this  variety  is 
known  around  Boston  by  the  title  of  Catherine,  or  as  pro- 
nounced Kattarn,  but  some  confusion  exists  there  on  this  head. 


ROUSSELETTE  DE  RHEIMS.  Pr,  cat.  Duh. 


Rousselet  de  Reims,  Roz. 
Rousselet  of  Rheims, 


of  various  authors. 


Petit  rousselet. 

Musk  or  Spice, 

Late  Catharine, 

Autumn  Catharine, 

Musk,  Spice,  or  Rousselet  de  Rheims, 


of  some  American  collections. 
Coxe. 


This  fruit  is  also  pyriform,  about  two  and  a quarter  inches 
in  height,  and  twenty  lines  in  diameter,  the  eye  is  large  and 
even  with  the  fruit,  the  stem  is  eight  or  ten  lines  in  length  ; 
the  skin  is  green  on  the  shade  side,  but  becomes  yellowish  at 
perfect  maturity,  the  sun  side  attains  a brownish  red  hue,  and 
is  entirely  covered  with  greyish  dots.  The  flesh  is  half-melt- 
ing, musky,  enriched  by^a  peculiar  perfume,  which  imparts  an 


PEA.RS. 


21 


excellent  taste.  In  fact  this  fruit  has  the  same  flavour  as  our 
far-famed  Seckel,  (of  which  it  is  undoubtedly  the  parent,) 
though  in  a less  degree,  and  the  growth  of  the  tree  also  bears 
much  affinity  to  that  of  our  well  known  favourite,  but  the 
shoots  are  longer  and  grow  more  vigorously.  The  seeds  are 
large  and  brown,  and  the  fruit  ripens  the  beginning  of  Sep- 
tember. It  is  much  better  on  standard  trees  than  on  espaliers, 
but  does  not  grow  so  large,  and  the  trees  can  be  readily  pro- 
pagated on  both  pear  and  quince  stocks ; and  when  they  have 
attained  to  a suitable  age  for  bearing,  they  yield  abundant 
crops. 


GREAT  ROUSSELET.  Pr.  cAt.  For. 

Gros  Rousselet,  } t\  u n/r  i 

Koid'a^,  \ Ro"-D«h.M.l. 

Russelet,  Quin  ? Evel  ? 

Large  Rousselet,  Pr.  cat.  25  ed. 

Rousselet,  Poire  du  Rousselet,  or  The  Rousselet.  Mil. 

King  of  summer. 

This  pear  is  two  inches  and  nine  lines  in  height,  and  six 
lines  less  in  its  diameter,  with  a stem  sixteen  to  eighteen  lines 
in  length,  which  is  often  implanted  in  a little  cavity  encom- 
passed by  swellings  or  projections.  The  skin  is  green  on  the 
shade  side,  and  brownish  red  next  the  sun,  dotted  all  over 
with  small  grey  points.  The  flesh  is  half-breaking,  perfumed, 
somewhat  acid  and  of  agreeable  taste.  The  seeds  are  elon- 
gated and  the  fruit  ripens  at  the  end  of  August  or  first  part  of 
September.  The  growth  of  the  tree  is  vigorous,  and  it  is 
propagated  with  equal  facility  on  the  quince  as  on  the  pear. 

WINTER  ROUSSELET.  Pr.  cat.  Mil.  For. 

Rousselet  d’  hyver.  Roz.  Duh.  Mil. 

Rousselette  d’hyver. 

Winter  russelet.  Evel.  Coxe  ? 

This  fruit  is  pyriform  and  two  inches  in  height  by  eighteen 
lines  in  diameter.  The  eye  is  even  with  the  extremity  of  the 


PEARS. 


22  ~ 

fruit,  and  the  stem,  which  is  six  or  eight  lines  in  length,  is  in- 
serted in  a small  cavity.  The  skin  is  greenish  on  the  shade 
side,  and  brownish  red  on  that  next  the  sun,  the  flesh  is  half- 
breaking, tolerably  juicy,  and  of  rather  a rich  taste ; the  seeds 
are  round,  short,  and  of  a light  brown  colour,  and  the  fruit 
is  at  maturity  iii  February  and  March.  The  tree  is  of  very 
thrift}^  growth  and  succeeds  on  both  pear  and  quince.  Miller 
remarks  that  this  pear  is  by  some  supposed  to  be  the  same  as 
that  called  the  Dry  Martin,  but  that  it  is  very  different. 


BRITISH  RUSSET.  Auth. 

Rovssette  de  Bretagne.  N.  Duh.  Calvel. 

Rousselet  de  Grande  Bretagne.  Pr.  cat.  ? 

This  fruit  is  turbinate  and  flattened  at  the  head,  where  the 
eye  is  placed  in  a pretty  deep  cavity,  and  the  stem  is  also 
inserted  within  a depression.  The  flesh  is  white,  almost 
melting,  with  a partially  acid  flavour,  and  possesses  a taste 
somewhat  resembling  that  of  the-  Crasanne.  It  ripens  in 
October  and  November,  and  the  tree  is  vigorous.  This 
variety,  which  is  thus  described  in  Duhamel,  as  different  from 
the  other  pears  cultivated  in  France,  may  no  doubt  (if  it  was 
carried  from  England)  be  synonymous  with  some  one  of  the 
English  pears  described  in  their  standard  works.  A pear  has 
been  recently  imported  into  this  country  under  the  title  given 
as  the  last  synonyme,  which  I have  thought  it  probable  might 
refer  to  the  same  fruit,  and  I consequently  subjoined  it  with  an 
expression  of  doubt  ; time  not  having  yet  elapsed  sufficient 
for  the  necessary  investigation. 


MUSCADELLE.  N.  Duh. 

Muscadelle  d calyce  caduqxie. 

This  French  Muscadelle  pear  is  a small  fruit,  seventeen  or 
eighteen  lines  in  breadth  and  of  nearly  the  same  height,  which 


PEARS. 


23 


renders  it  almost  globular  ; but  occasionally  it  is  pyrilbrm, 
being  twenty  lines  in  height  and  about  seventeen  in  diameter 
at  the  largest  part ; but  what  most  characterizes  it,  is,  that  the 
eye  placed  in  a regular  formed  cavity,  is  always  naked  in  con- 
sequence of  the  divisions  of  the  calyx  falling  off,  which  in 
general  remain  stationary  on  other  sorts  of  pears,  but  which 
in  this  case  fall  at  an  early  period,  or  at  any  rate  before  the 
maturity  of  the  fruit.  The  peduncle,  which  is  thirteen  or 
fourteen  lines  in  length,  is  generally  inserted  somewhat  late- 
rally, and  in  a slight  cavity,  at  one  side  of  which  is  a partial 
projection  ; the  skin  is  greenish  for  the  most  part,  with  a light 
tinge  of  russet  only  next  the  sun  ; the  flesh  has  some  firmness, 
and  is  enriched  with  a small  degree  of  pleasant  musk  flavour. 
The  seeds  are  light  brown,  and  the  fruit  ripens  in  July  or 
early  in  August. 


LARGE  MUSCADEL.  Autu. 

Grosse  Muscadelle.  N.  Duff. 

This  second  French  variety  of  the  Muscadelle  does  not  ap- 
pear to  differ  from  the  preceding,  except  in  its  turbinate  form 
and  its  peduncle,  which  is  shorter  and  larger,  and  its*  eye  on 
which  the  segments  of  the  calyx  are  commonly  persistent.  In 
relation  to  other  points,  its  size  can  scarcely  be  deemed  any 
larger ; the  skin  is  often  the  same  colour,  the  taste  and  flavour 
similar,  and  it  ripens  at  the  same  period. 

PERFUMED.  Pr.  cat.  For. 

Parfum  d'aout.  Roz.  Duh. 

August  perfume. 

This  is  a small  fruit,  nearly  pyriform,  very  much  swollen  at 
the  base,  and  terminating  pretty  regularly  in  a truncate  ur 
obtuse  point  at  the  stem,  which  is  eighteen  lines  in  length  and 
somewhat  fleshy  at  its  Junction  with  the  fruit ; the  skin  is  lemon 


24 


FEARS. 


colour,  delicately  touched  with  fawn  colour  on  the  shade  side, 
and  a fine  deep  red,  dotted  over  with  yellow  points  on  the  side 
exposed  to  the  sun  ; the  flesh  is  highly  musky  and  quite  juicy ; 
the  seeds  are  small,  well  perfected  and  of  a brown  hue,  and 
the  fruit  ripens  in  August  as  its  name  , indicates.  The  tree  is 
productive,  and  succeeds  on  both  quince  and  pear  stocks. 
Miller  describes  his  Perfumed  pear  difierently  from  the  fore- 
going, and  probably  does  not  refer  to  the  same  fruit ; he  quotes 
Tourn,  therefor,  and  refers  to  no  other  author. 

OGNONET.  Pe.  cat.  Roz.  Duh.  Mil. 


Archduc  d^ete,  > „ 
Amir 6 roux,  ^ 

Poire  d'oignon. 

Gros  ognonet, 

Roy  dUte,  erroneously, 
Archduke  of  summer, 


^ Roz.  syn.  Duh. 


svn.  Mil. 


King  of  summer,  erroneously,  % 

Brown  admired,  ^ 

Great  onion  pear.  Mil.  For. 

This  pear  is  of  a turbinate  form ; its  height  is  twenty-two 
lines,  and  its  diameter  the  same ; it  is  somewhat  flattened  at 
the  head,  where  the  eye  which  is  of  medium  size,  is  placed 
within  a small  cavity  around  which  the  form  of  the  fruit  is  very 
even  and  regular  ; the  stem  is  short,  not  exceeding  eight  or 
ten  lines  ; the  skin  is  shining,  yellow  on  the  shade  side  and 
bright  red  next  the  sun ; the  flesh  is  half-breaking,  and  often 
gritty,  but  of  high  flavour ; the  seeds  are  very  pale  coloured, 
and  the  fruit  ripens  at  the  beginning  of  August. 


OGNONET  DE  PROVENCE.  N.  Duh. 


Ognonet  of  Provence. 


This  fruit  in  form  greatly  resembles  the  preceding,  but  is  of 
smaller  size,  being  only  sixteen  or  seventeen  lines  in  diameter, 
and  about  one  line  more  in  height,  supported  on  a peduncle  of 


PEARS. 


25 


twenty  or  twenty-one  lines  in  length ; the  skin  is  smooth, 
yellowish  green  on  the  shade  side,  and  red  or  russet  on  the  side 
next  the  sun  ; the  flesh  is  firm,  breaking,  and  of  a very  plea- 
sant musk  flavour.  In  Provence  it  ripens  in  July,  and  here 
will  mature  in  August. 


ANGEL  PEAR.  Pr.  cat. 

Poire  (Vange.  Roz.  Duh. 

• This  fruit  is  of  turbinate  form,  its  height  being  twenty-one 
lines  and  its  diameter  eighteen ; the  eye  is  pretty  large,  and 
situated  almost  even  with  the  fruit ; the  stem,  which  is  seven- 
teen lines  in  length,  is  slender  and  surrounded  by  projections 
at  its  Junction  ; the  skin  is  yellowish  green  ; the  flesh  half- 
breaking, rather  delicate  and  very  musky.  The  seeds  are 
black,  and  the  fruit  ripens  the  beginning  of  August. 

MUSK  DRONE.  Pr.  cat.  Mil.  For. 

Bourdon  musquee.  Roz.  Duh.  Mil.  Pr.  cat.  25  ed. 

Bourdon,  or  Humble  bee  pear  1 

Orange  d^ete. 

Drone.  Mil. 

Musky  Bourdon. 

This  pear  is  of  a round  shape,  almost  globular,  a little  flat- 
tened at  the  base,  its  height  is  seventeen  lines  and  its  breadth 
eighteen  or  nineteen  ; the  eye  is  tolerably  large  and  placed'  in 
the  centre  of  a pretty  broad  cavity ; sometimes  the  upper  end 
is  rather  contracted,  assuming  the  form  of  a top ; the  skin  is 
light  green,  scattered  over  with  small  points  of  a darker  shade 
of  the  same  colour ; the  flesh  is  white,  breaking,  with  consi- 
derable juice,  which  possesses  a musky  flavour  and  some  sweet- 
ness. The  seeds  are  large  and  black,  and  the  fruit  matures  in 
July ; the  tree  is  very  productive,  and  can  be  ingrafted  either 
on  the  pear  or  quince. 


4 


PEARS. 


SUMMER  BEAUTY. 


Roz.  Duh. 
Evel. 
Mil. 


Pll.  CAT. 
Mil.  For. 


Supreme^  > 

Bellissime  d’et^,  ^ 

Bellissime,  or  Super-fair. 

Muscadelle  Rouge,  > 

The  Fairest,  or  Supreme,  ^ 

Red  Muscadelle,  Mil.  For. 

Red  Muscadel,  of  some  English  collections. 
Beauty  of  summer. 

Poire figue.  Die.  d’Agric.  syn.  (?  Airth.) 


This  pear,  so  called  in  France,  and  which  I have  latterly 
introduced,  is  very  distinct  from  the  one  formerly  cultivated 
by  myself,  and  still  generally  cultivated  by  others  under  the 
same  name.  The  latter  appears  to  belong  to  either  the  Muscat 
or  Muscadelle  family  described  in  this  work.  I am  not  fully 
certain  that  the  Red  Muscadelle  of  the  English  is  the  same  as 
this,  as  there  seems  great  confusion  in  the  application  of  its 
synonymes.  The  fruit  is  twenty-four  lines  in  height  and  twenty 
in  diameter,  and  almost  pyriform,  having  the  base  well  rounded, 
and  the  space  where  the  eye  is  placed  being  rather  flattened 
than  hollowed.  The  skin  is  smooth  and  light  green  on  the 
shade  side,  which  attains  a lemon  colour  at  maturity,  mingled 
with  some  tints  of  pale  red  ; the  whole  side  exposed  to  the 
rays  of  the  sun  is  of  a very  deep  red  colour ; the  flesh  is  half- 
melting, sweet  and  of  agreeable  taste,  but  not  high-flavoured. 
The  seeds  are  black,  and  the  fruit  ripens  in  July.  The  tree 
is  of  the  most  vigorous  growth,  and  forms  very  strong  and 
thrifty  shoots  the  first  year  from  the  graft  or  bud,  and  may 
with  equal  ease  be  propagated  on  the  quince  ayd  the  pear. 

I quote  the  Red  Muscadelle  of  the  seventh  edition  of  For- 
syth as  a synonyme  ; but  the  circumstance  which  he  relates,  as 
well  as  other  English  writers,  that  this  tree  produces  two  crops 
in  a year,  is  not  deemed  correct. 


BLOODY.  Evel.  Pr.  cat. 

Sanguinole.  Quin.  Evel.  Roz.  Duh. 

This  fruit  is  twenty  to  twenty-four  lines  in  height,  and 


PEARS. 


27 


eighteen  to  twenty-two  in  diameter,  with  a stem  rather  more 
than  an  inch  long,  which  rises  from  a small  cavity  ; the  skin 
is  grayish  on  the  shade  side,  and  slightly  reddish  next  the  sun, 
speckled  (tiqueU)  all  over  with  innumerable  points  or  dots 
approaching  a fawn  colour ; the  flesh  is  of  a rosy  hue,  with 
but  little  flavour  and  rather  insipid.  This  fruit  ripens  about 
the  middle  of  August,  and  is  a curiosity  on  account  of  the 
colour  of  its  flesh,  which  it  is  to  be  regretted  is  not  of  supe- 
rior quality. 


RED  FLOWERING.  Pr.  cat. 

Sanguine  Italic.  N.  Duh, 

Sanguine,  of  various  French  publications. 

Poire  d^Italie. 

This  pear  greatly  resembles  the  preceding ; it  is  of  turbi- 
nate form,  being  twenty-six  lines  in  height  and  twenty-four  in 
its  greatest  diameter;  the  eye  is  placed  in  a small  cavity;  the 
peduncle  is  from  eight  to  fourteen  lines  long  and  generally 
inserted  somewhat  laterally  and  not  exactly  at  the  apex  of  the 
fruit ; the  flesh  is  firm,  breaking,  of  a whitish  and  roseate  hue, 
with  some  veins  of  deeper  red.  It  has  but  little  flavour  and 
soon  becomes  soft.  It  ripens  early  in  August,  and  the  seeds 
are  of  a blackish  brown  colour. 

FIGUE,  OR  PETALLESS.  Pr.  cat. 

Poire  Figue.  Roz.  Duh. 

Pistolette. 

Blossomless  ‘pear,  or  Pear  'without  blossoms. 

This  fruit  is  pyriform,  but  very  much  elongated,  being 
three  inches  in  height,"  and  but  twenty-two  lines  in  diame- 
ter ; the  eye  is  placed  in  a slight  cavity,  and  the  size  of  the 
fruit  diminishes  towards  the  stem ; the  skin  is  pretty  even  and 
regular,  and  of  a brownish  green  hue  even  at  its  maturity  ; 
the  flesh  is  white,  melting,  sweet,  and  pleasant.  The  seeds 
are  black  and  oblong,  and  the  tree  matures  its  fruit  in  Sep- 
tember. 


• 28 


pears. 


SMALL  SUMMER  THORN.  Pr.  cat. 

Petite  epine  d’ete.  Duh.  Pr.  cat.  25  ed. 

Fondante  musquee.  Roz.  Duh.  syn. 

Epine  d’ete  petite. 

Epine  d’ete.  Roz. 

Satin  vert. 

Bergiarda.  Die.  d’Agric.  syn. 

This  pear  is  of  an  exact  pyramidal  form,  being  twenty-three 
or  twenty-four  lines  in  height  and  twenty-five  lines  in  breadth ; 
the  peduncle  is  swollen  or  enlarged  at  the  point  of  its  junction, 
and  that  part  of  it  becomes  somewhat  fleshy  ; the  eye  is  nearly 
or  quite  even  with  the  surface  of  the  fruit ; the  skin  even  at 
maturity,  is  of  a light  green  hue  and  perfectly  smooth,  but  in 
some  few  cases  acquires  a slight  tint  of  dull  red  on  the  sunny 
side ; the  flesh  is  half-melting,  replete  with  sweet  juice,  which 
also  possesses  a most  agreeable  perfume.  The  seeds  are  light 
brown,  and  the  fruit  ripens  the  beginning  of  August. 

GREAT  SUMMER  THORN.  Auth. 

Grande  ipine  d^ete.  N.  Duh. 

• 

This  fruit  is  three  to  three  and  a half  inches  in  height,  and 
twenty-four  to  twenty-eight  lines  in  its  greatest  diameter  ; it  is 
rounded  at  the  base  and  pointed  at  the  summit ; the  skin  is 
delicate,  almost  wholly  a yellowish  green,  and  scattered  over 
with  numerous  small  dots  of  a deeper  shade  of  the  same  colour; 
the  flesh  is  half-melting  and  of  a very  agreeable  musk  flavour  ; 
the  seeds  are  very  dark  brown,  and  the  fruit  ripens  at  the  end 
of  August  or  beginning  of  September. 


SUMMER  THORN  OF  THOULOUSE.  Auth. 

Epine  d’EU  de  Thoulouse.  N.  Duh. 

This  pear  differs  from  the  preceding  in  being  of  a turbinate 
form,  of  smaller  size  and  more  melting.  It  scarcely  exceeds 


PEARS. 


29 


two  inches  in  height,  and  its  diameter  is  twenty-two  lines,  with 
a short  stem,  which  is  swollen  at  the  part  next  the  stalk,  and 
likewise  a little  so  at  the  other  end  where  it  unites  with  the 
fruit.  The  skin  is  greenish  and  not  very  even,  on  account  of 
the  dots  and  some  grayish  specks  scattered  here  and  there  over 
its  surface ; the  flesh  is  very  melting  and  sweet,  with  a little 
sharpness  of  flavour,  which  however  is  agreeable.  The  seeds 
are  dark  brown,  and  the  fruit  matures  at  the  same  period  as 
the  preceding. 

SAPIN.  Roz.  Duh. 

Coquillarde, 

This  is  a small  pyriform  fruit,  flattened  at  its  head,  where 
the  eye  is  placed  in  a pretty  wide  cavity  of  moderate  depth  ; 
the  size  of  the  fruit  diminishes  regularly,  and  terminates  in  an 
obtuse  point  at  the  stem,  which  is  nearly  an  inch  in  length ; 
the  skin  is  at  first  of  a bright  green  hue,  but  becomes  yellow 
at  perfect  maturity  ; the  flesh  is  white  and  rather  coarse,  with 
but  little  juice — it  is  slightly  perfumed,  but  does  not  possess 
much  flavour ; the  seeds  are  dark  brown,  and  the  fruit  ripens 
at  the  end  of  July. 

DOUBLE  HEADED.  Evel.  Pr.  cat. 

Two  headed.  Pr.  cat.  25  ed.  I Deux  tetes. 

Poire  d deux  tetes.  Roz.  Duh.  | Double  calice. 

Double  headed. 

This  fruit  is  of  a turbinate  shape,  and  but  seldom  well  and 
regularly  formed  ; it  is  twenty-six  lines  in  height  and  twenty- 
five  in  diameter,  with  a large  stem  varying  from  ten  to  twenty 
lines  in  length,  and  often  somewhat  fleshy  at  its  junction — it 
is  inserted  obliquely  in  the  fruit,  and  partly  covered  on  one 
side  by  a fleshy  excrescence  terminating  nearly  in  a point ; the 
eye  is  placed  in  a raised  position,  formed  by  a number  of  small 
swellings  or  projections ; it  is  large  and  oval,  with  the  appear- 


30 


PEARS. 


ance  of  being  divided  in  two  parts,  from  which  circumstance 
this  pear  has  received  the  title  of  Deux-tetes,  or  Two-headed, 
which  is  not  however  sufficiently  precise,  and  it  might  better 
have  been  called  Deux-yeux,  or  Two-eyed.  The  skin  is 
smooth  and  green,  approaching  to  yellow  on  the  shade  side, 
and  washed  with  brownish  red  next  the  sun ; the  flesh  is  white, 
not  very  delicate,  tolerably  juicy  and  slightly  perfumed,  but 
often  a little  tart.  The  seeds  are  black,  and  the  fruit  ripens 
at  Paris  at  the  end  of  July. 


SUMMER  ST.  GERMAIN.  Pr.  cat. 

Saint  Germain  d’EU.  N.  Duh.  Van  Mons  ? 

Jargonelle,  of  Provence. 

The  skin  of  this  pear  is  entirely  of  a fine  lemon  colour, 
without  any  mixture  of  other  shades,  except  some  very  small 
grayish  or  fawn-coloured  specks,  which  are  more  or  less  scat- 
tered over  it ; the  fruit  is  of  a very  elongated  pyriform  shape, 
being  three  inches  and  three  or  four  lines  in  height,  and  twen- 
ty-six lines  in  diameter  ; the  eye  is  nearly  even  with  the  extre- 
mity of  the  fruit,  and  the  stem  is  twelve  to  fifteen  lines  in 
length,  and  has  almost  invariably  a somewhat  lateral  position. 
The  flesh  is  melting,  sweet,  and  perfumed,  with  a little  acidity 
in  its  flavour,  which  is  not  at  all  unpleasant,  but  assimilates  its 
whole  taste  very  much  to  that  of  the  Crasanne  : the  seeds  are 
brown,  and  the  fruit  matures  early  in  August. 

In  the  new  edition  of  Duhamel,  where  I have  found  this 
pear  described,  it  is  extolled  as  a most  excellent  fruit,  whose 
culture  merits  to  be  extended  to  all  the  departments  of  France, 
it  being  as  yet  but  partially  kilown  and  cultivated  even  in  that 
country. 

BEAUTY  OF  SUMMER.  Auth. 

Belle  d^ete.  N.  Duh. 

Bellissime  d'eU  de  Provence.  Pr.  cat.  25  ed.  ? 

This  pear  is  of  fine  form  ; it  is  globular  for  two  thirds  of 


PEARS. 


31 


its  length  next  the  base,  and  very  much  contracted  at  the  point 
of  junction  with  the  peduncle,  where  it  terminates  in  a pyra- 
midal shape.  It  is  altogether  three  and  a half  inches  in  height 
and  twenty-eight  lines  in  its  greatest  diameter,  but  at  an  inch 
below  the  stem  its  diameter  does  not  exceed  twelve  lines ; the 
stem  is  about  fifteen  lines  in  length,  and  almost  invariably 
inserted  in  rather  a lateral  direction  and  within  a small  cavity ; 
the  eye  is  even  with  the  fruit,  surrounded  with  many  small 
swellings  which  extend  to  the  middle  of  the  fruit  or  further, 
and  form  in  the  course  of  its  height  several  undulations  or 
slightly  projecting  ridges.  The  flesh  is  firm,  rather  sweet, 
and  moderately  perfumed  ; the  seeds  are  dark  brown  and  often 
one  half  abortive.  This  fruit  ripens  at  the  middle  of  August. 
It  has  been  cultivated  for  some  time  at  the  Jardin  des  Plantes 
at  Paris,  under  the  title  of  Bellissime  d'H'e,  a name  which  be- 
longs to  a very  diflerent  fruit. 


CASSOLETTE.  Pr.cat.  Quin.  Evel.  Roz.  0.  Dun.  Mil.  For. 

Petite  cassolette.  N.  Duh. 

Friolet,  ^ 

Muscat-vert,  > Quin.  Roz.  Duh.  syn.  Mil. 

Lechefrion,  S 

misspelt  quotations  of  some  authors. 

Small  Cassolette. 

Green  Muscat,  or  Eche  frion.  Evel. 

This  pear  is  frequently  very  small,  and  but  nineteen  to 
twenty  lines  in  height  and  sixteen  in  diameter ; at  other  times, 
as  Duhamel  remarks,  it  is  above  two  inches  in  height  and 
twenty  lines  in  diameter.  Its  general  shape  is  pyriform, 
rounded  at  the  head  ; at  the  other  extremity  is  a small  cavity, 
of  very  even  form,  from  which  rises  the  peduncle  whose  length 
is  from  five  to  seven  lines.  The  skin  is  bright  green,  with  a 
very  little  red  on  the  sunny  side  ; the  flesh  is  firm  and  break- 
ing, but  delicate  notwithstanding,  and  of  a sweet  and  musky 
flavour.  The  seeds  are  brown,  and  the  fruit  ripens  at  the  end 
of  August. 


PEARS. 


32 

Diihamel  speaks  of  a sub-variety  of  this  pear  of  larger 
size,  but  possessing  less  excellence.  It  is  pyriform,  a little 
rounded  at  the  base  where  there  are  some  swellings,  amid 
which  the  eye  is  inserted  ; its  height  is  two  inches*  and  nine 
lines,  and  its  diameter  twenty-seven  lines ; the  stem  is  fre- 
quently accompanied  by  a small  swelling  at  the  place  of  its 
junction  with  the  fruit ; the  skin  is  green  and  rather  smooth, 
although  it  is  dotted  over  with  numerous  points  of  a greenish 
brown  hue,  and  the  side  next  the  sun  has  a slight  touch  of  rus- 
set ; the  flesh  is  half-breaking,  rather  dry,  and  of  a musky 
flavour.  This  fruit  ripens  the  beginning  of  September. 

GREAT  CASSOLETTE.  Auth. 

Grosse  Cassolette.  N.  Duh. 

This  pear  has  the  form  of  a top,  and  is  twenty-six  lines  in 
height  and  twenty-seven  in  breadth;  the  eye  is  somewhat 
sunken  w’ithin  a cavity  whose  border  is  very  even  and  regular, 
and  the  stem,  which  is  altogether  sixteen  or  eighteen  lines  in 
length,  is  also  placed  in  a cavity,  and  that  part  which  joins  the 
fruit  is  swelled  in  a remarkable  manner.  The  skin  is  entirely  , 
of  a light  green,  even  at  perfect  maturity,  and  is  dotted  all 
over  with  numerous  greenish  specks ; the  flesh  is  melting,  of 
a very  peculiar  acid  flavour,  which  however  is  no  wise  disa- 
greeable when  the  fruit  is  perfectly  ripe,  which  takes  place 
about  the  middle  of  August. 

SALVIATI.  Pr.  cat.  Roz.  Duh.  Mil.  For.  Coxe. 

Perfu7ned,  of  some  American  collections. 

This  pear  is  ne|arly  globular,  the  height  but  little  exceeding 
the  breadth,  its  diameter  being  two  inches  and  its  height  twen- 
ty-three lines  ; it  frequently  has  a small  furrow  upon  one  side, 
which  runs  from  the  summit  to  the  base  of  the  fruit ; the  stem 
is  twelve  to  fifteen  lines  in  length,  and  implanted  in  a small 
contracted  cavity,  and  the  eye  at  the  opposite  extremity  is 
situated  in  a wide  depression,  which* is  surrounded  by  some 


PEARS. 


small  ridges ; the  skin  is  light  yellow,  dotted  over  with  very 
small  russet  points,  and  sometimes  marked  with  a little  red  on 
the  sunny  side ; the  flesh  is  breaking  and  of  a very  agreeable 
musk  flavour ; the  seeds  are  brown,  and  the  fruit  ripens  at  the 
end  of  August. 

SALVIATi  DE  PROVENCE.  N.  Dun. 

This  fruit  is  of  a turbinate  form,  which  in  some  cases 
assumes  that  of  a spheroid  somewhat  flattened ; it  is  usually 
twenty-nine  or  thirty  lines  in  diameter,  and  twenty-four  to 
twenty- six  in  height,  with  a short  stem  inserted  in  a depression 
scarcely  perceptible,  and  the  eye  is  situated  in  a wide  cavity 
with  a smooth  border  around  it.  The  skin  is  entirely  of  a 
lemon  colour,’dotted  over  with  small  fawn-coloured  or  grayish 
specks ; the  flesh  is  firm,  breaking,  and  of  a sweet  and  musky 
flavour.  The  seeds  are  light  brown,  and  the  fruit  ripens  in 
August.  Duhamel  states  that  he  received  it  under  the  name 
of  Muscat-Jleuri,  which  is  a very  difierent  fruit,  and  that  from 
its  great  resemblance  to  the  Salviati,  he  gave  it  the  title  here 
adopted. 


ROBINE.  Evel.  Roz.  Dun.  Pr.  cat. 


'Royal  summer*  Pr.  cat.  25  ed. 

Royale  (T^te.  Roz.  syn.  Duh.  syn. 

Robine,  Averat,  Poire  Royale^  Muscat  d'aout.  Quin. 
Averaty  Pear  Royal,  Muscat  pear  of  August.  Evel. 
Avorat.  For. 

Avorat,  Robine,  Muscat  d'aoust,  August  muscat. 

Poire  d’Averat,  Averat  pear.  Poire  royale.  Royal  Pear, 


Mil. 


This  pear  has  the  form  of  a top,  and  its  height,  which  is 
nearly  equal  to  its  diameter,  is  but  twenty-two  lines  ; the  eye 
is  placed  in  a cavity  which  is  pretty  deep  and  very  wide,  and 
the  stem  may  rather  be  considered  as  surrounded  by  protube- 
rances or  swellings  than  as  placed  in  a depression  ; the  skin 
is  whitish  green,  speckled  with  brownish  green,  and  becomes 
yellow  at  maturity  ; the  flesh  is  half-breaking,  rather  dry,  and 


34 


PEARS. 


of  a sweet  and  nusky  flavour  ; the  fruit  is  at  maturity  during 
the  month  of  August. 

We  have  received  from  Provence,  says  the  New  Duhamel,  a 
Robine  pear,  which  difiers  a little  from  the  one  just  described, 
not  in  respect  to  the  size  and  form  which  are  decidedly  the  same, 
but  because  the  stem  rises  from  a cavity  whose  edges  are  even  and 
regular ; the  eye  less  deeply  sunk,  and  the  skin  remains  green 
when  the  fruit  is  at  perfect  maturity,  and  even  when  it  becomes 
soft.  ‘ Duhamel  in  the  original  edition,  when  speaking  of  the 
Robine  pear,  says  that  it  does  not  readily  become  soft  and 
decay. 


GRISE  BONNE.  Evel.  Roz.  Duh.  Coxe. 

Good  gray  'pear, 

Ambrette  d^et^, 

Crapaudine.  Quin.  Evel. 

Toad  pear,  Gray  good,  or  Summer  Ambrette.  Evel. 

Rude  Epee. 

This  is  a fruit  of  moderate  size,  of  an  oblong  and  somewhat 
cucumber  form,  being  thirty  lines  in  height  by  twenty-two  in 
breadth  ; the  head  is  quite  round,  and  the  eye  is  placed  even 
with  the  extremity  ; the  stem  is  large,  from  nine  to  twelve  lines 
in  length,  and  rises  obliquely  from  a small  cavity  ; the  skin  is 
of  a greenish  gray,  speckled  with  whitish  dots  over  the  whole 
surface  and  touched  in  some  places  with  russet ; the  flesh  is 
melting,  rich  and  sweet,  and  the  fruit  is  ripe  during  the  month 
of  August. 


CHAIR  A D AME.  Pr.  cat.  Quin.  Evel.  Roz.  Duh.  For. 

Chh'e  Adame.  Roz.  syn.  Duh.  syn. 

Lady  flesh.  Evel. 

This  pear  is  twenty-six  lines  in  height  and  twenty-two  in 
diameter,  wath  a large  short  stem,  not  exceeding  at  most  nine 
lines  in  length,  and  almost  invariably. placed  obliquely  in  the 
fruit  amid  some  small  protuberances.  The  skin  is  yellow, 


PEARS, 


35 


spotted  with  gray  and  marbled  with  light  red  on  the  sunny 
side ; the  flesh  is  half-breaking,  pleasant,  and  agreeably  en- 
riched with  a slight  perfume  ; the  seeds  are  oblong  and  black, 
and  the  fruit  ripens  the  middle  of  August.  The  tree  is  vigo- 
rous and  productive,  and  may  be  propagated  on  both  the  pear 
and  the  quince. 


THE  PRINCE’S  PEAR.  Mil.  For.  Pr.  cat. 

Poir'de  Prince,  Mil.  For.  Pr.  cat.  25  ed. 

Although  a French  origin  seems  to  be  claimed  for  this  fruit, 
I cannot  find  it  mentioned  by  Duhamel,  nor  in  the  Jardiu 
Fruitier,  Bon  Jardinier,  &ic.,  neither  is  it  enumerated  in  any 
French  catalogue  that  has  met  my  eye;  it  is  consequently  to 
be  inferred  either  that  it  originated  and  received  its  title  in 
some  other  country,  or  that  it  is  known  in  France  under  a dif- 
ferent name.  Forsyth  remarks  that  it  is  said  to  be  the  same 
with  the  Chair  a.  dame  pear,  a comparison  with  which  had 
better  therefore  be  instituted,  and  will  receive  my  attention. 
He  however  describes  it  differently  from  that  fruit  as  follows: 

“ This  is  a small  roundish  pear,  of  a bright  red  colour  next 
the  sun,  but  of  a yellowish  colour  on  the  other  side ; the  flesh 
is  between  breaking  an  I aielting,  the  juice  very  high-fla- 
voured. It  is  a great  bearer,  and  ripens  the  middle  of  Sep- 
tember, but  will  keep  a fortnight  good,  which  few  summer 
pears  will  do.”  In  this  country  it  ripens  in  August. 

Miller  describes  this  pear  without  referring  to  any  author 
even  for  its  French  title.  Forsyth  and  others  follow  him,  and 
thence  we  have  the  description  in  several  works  without  any 
original  reference.  From  this  and  other  circumstances  we 
may  reasonably  suppose  it  synonymous  with  some  other  des- 
cribed variety.  The  Admiral  pear  is  stated  by  Qiiintinye  and 
Evelyn  to  have  been  also  called  the  Prince  pear,  and  I don’t 
recollect  that  any  other  author  makes  use  of  the  title  before 
Miller. 


PEAUfe, 


30 


EGG  PEAR.  Pr.  cat. 

Poire  d^ceuf,  Roz.  Duh.  Pr.  cat.  25  ed. 

Colmar  dCeU. 

Eyer  pear. 

Swan's  egg.  For.  Coxe,  a very  dubious  synonyme. 

This  fruit  is  of  ovate  form,  and  is  nineteen  lines  in  height 
and  fifteen  to  sixteen  in  diameter,  with  a slender  stem  about  an 
inch  long,  which  is  placed  in  a kind  of  funnel-shaped  cavity  ; 
the  skin  on  the  shaded  part  is  yellowish  green  scattered  over 
with  russet  touches,  and  the  side  next  the  sun  is  of  a reddish 
iiue ; the  flesh  is  half-melting,  sweet,  partially  musky,  and  very 
agreeable  to  the  taste.  The  seeds  have  but  little  colour,  and 
the  fruit  ripens  at  the  end  of  August  or  early  in  the  ensuing 
month.  The  tree  is  but  moderately  productive,  and  succeeds 
only  on  the  pear  stock. 

BEZI  D’HERY.  Pr.  cat.  Roz.  Duh.  Mil. 

Besideri.  Mil. 

Besidery.  Quin.  Evel. 

Bezy  d'Hery^  For.  and  others. 

Wilding  of  Hery. 

This  fruit  is  in  most  instances  regularly  rounded,  being 
from  twenty-nine  to  thirty  lines  in  diameter,  and  a line  less  in 
height,  but  sometimes  it  is  more  elongated,  being  contracted 
both  at  the  base  and  the  summit,  and  attains  within  a line  of 
three  inches  in  height  without  any  increase  in  diameter  over 
that  already  stated.  The  eye  is  almost  even  with  the  base  of 
the  fruit,  or  placed  in  a very  shallow  depression;  and  the  stem, 
which  is  fourteen  lines  in  length,  rises  from  a very  small  cavity. 
The  skin  is  even  and  regular,  pale  green,  changing  to  light 
yellow  at  maturity,  and  on  the  sun  side  becomes  mottled  with 
red  ; the  flesh  is  firm,  half-breaking,  rather  dry,  with  a sweet 
taste,  and  enriched  by  an  agreeable  musky  flavour.  The 
seeds  are  oblong  and  of  a dark  brown  hue,  and  the  fruit  ripens 
in  October  and  November.  . 


l*JdAKS. 


This  pear  takes  its  name  from  Hery,  a forest  in  Bretagne, 
between  Rennes  and  Nantes,  where  it  was  first  discovered. 

BASSIN.  Duh. 

This  pear  is  thirty  lines  in  height  and  twenty-four  in  breadth, 
and  is  pretty  regularly  pyriform.  The  skin  is  a fawn-green 
on  the  shade  side  and  dull  red  next  the  sun,  and  this  redness 
often  extends  over  a great  part  of  the  fruit,  which  is  covered 
with  very  numerous  small  grayish  dots ; the  flesh  is  firm,  of  a 
very  sharp  flavour  which  combines  with  it  some  acidity,  thereby 
rendering  it  not  very  pleasant  to  the  taste.  The  fruit  ripens 
at  the  end  of  August  or  early  in  the  following  month,  and  soon 
becomes  soft. 

POIRE  DES  CHARTREUX.  Duh. 

Poire  des  cliamys  des  Chartreucc,  of  some  French  catalogues. 

The  height  of  this  fruit  is  two  and  a half  inches  and  its 
diameter  twenty-six  lines  ; it  is  very  round  at  its  base,  in  which 
the  eye  is  placed  in  a cavity  scarcely  apparent ; the  stem  is 
eighteen  lines  in  length  and  swollen  at  the  point  of  junction 
with  the  fruit ; the  skin  is  entirely  of  a pale  yellow  colour, 
dotted  over  with  very  small  russet  specks ; the  flesh  is  half- 
breaking and  somewhat  melting,  with  a sweet  and  pleasant 
flavour.  The  seeds  are  brown  or  blackish,  and  the  fruit  ripens 
at  the  end  of  August. 

AH ! MON  DIEU.  Pk.  cat.  . Roz.  Duii. 

'Mon  Dieu.  Quin.  I The  my  God  pear.  Evel. 

Mandieu.  | Poire  d"* Amour,  erroneousl}  . 

Poire  d’Abondance.  Die.  d’Agric.  syn. 

This  fruit  is  twenty-four  to  twenty-six  lines  in  height  and 
twenty-two  to  twenty-four  in  diameter,  with  a stern  fifteen  to 
eighteen  lines  in  length ; its  skin  is  light  yellow  on  the  shade 
side,  and  dotted  over  next  the  sun  with  bright  red  points. 


P£ARS. 


3S 

very  near  together.  The  seeds  are  very  dark  brown,  the  fruit 
ripens  at  the  end  of  August  or  beginning  of  September,  and 
the  crops  produced  by  trees  of  this  kind  are  generally  very 
great. 

This  has  been  supposed  by  some  persons  to  be  the  same  as 
the  Poire  (T amour ^ but  the  differences  will  be  perceived  by  re- 
ferring to  the  description  of  that  fruit. 


SUMMER  ROSE.  Pom.  mag.  Pr.  cat. 

Ppine  rose,  Roz.  Duh.  Pr.  cat.  25  ed. 

Po're  de  rose.  Quin.  Roz  syn  Duh.  s}ti.  Mil. 
Rosenhime  Kraft.  Pom.  Austr. 

Thf  rose  pear  Evel  Mil. 

Epine  rose  d'et^, 

Poire  d’e<iu  rose, 

Caillof  roS‘]t, 

Poire  d’ognon, 

Poire  tulipee 
Poire  de  Malihe, 

Rose,  Epine  rose.  Mil.  For. 

Thorny  rose  Mil. 

Epine  d'ete,  ) of  some  collections  according  to  the 
Cailleau  Rosat,  ^ Pom.  Mag. 

I extract  the  following  descriptive  remarks  in  relation  to 
this  very  valuable  early  pear,  which  I introduced  a few  years 
since  to  this  country,  from  the  Pomological  Magazine.  Of 
the  synonymes  enumerated,  six  are  according  to  the  Magazine 
referred  to,  and  the  other  eight  I have  added  myself. 

“ The  French  gardeners  have  a class  of  pears  which  they 
call  Cailleaux,  in  consequence  of  the  resemblance  their  speck- 
led appearance  gives  them  to  the  cailU,  or  quail.  To  this 
class  belongs  the  subject  of  the  present  article,  which  is  even 
as  Duhamel  informs  us,  sometimes  called  the  Cailleau  Rosat, 
a name  however  which  belongs  of  right  to  another  variety, 
ripening  in  the  end  of  September. 

“ There  is  no  doubt  about  the  synonymes  above  quoted,  but 
it  is  necessary  to  remark  that  this  is  not  the  Epine  Rose  or 
Rosendorne  of  Mayer’s  Pomona  Franconica,  t.  22,  which 


of  various  publications  and  collec. 
tions. 


30 


as  Mr.  Thompson  has  justly  pointed  out,  is  a long  fruit, 
although  that  writer  quotes  Duhamel’s  synonyme  without 
scruple. 

“ We  have  not  adopted  the  name  of  Onion-shaped  pear, 
which  would  have  been  a more  expressive  name,  because  the 
French  apply  that  term  both  to  pears  having  the  peculiar  flat- 
tened figure  of  this,  and  to  others  which  grow  in  such  clusters 
upon  the  branches  that  the  latter  resemble  a string  of  onions. 

“ The  figure  of  this  is  that  of  an  apple  rather  than  of  a pear, 
and  it  is  said  by  a French  writer  to  be  so  in  a greater  degree 
than  any  other  pear  he  knows.  A most  excellent  and  beau- 
tiful variety,  not  indeed  to  be  compared  with  the  Jargonelle 
(Epargne)  with  which  it  ripens,  but  greatly  superior  to  any  of 
the  kinds  commonly  cultivated  which  are  in  eating  at  the  same 
time.  It  bears  well  as  a standard.  In  perfection  from  the 
10th  to  the  end  of  August. 

“ Wood  weak,  deep  chestnut-red,  with  distinct  pale  yellowish- 
brown  spots  ; leaves  heart-shaped,  ovate,  nearly  flat,  shin  ng, 
deep  green,  very  slightly  toothed  ; petioles  about  an  inch  long; 
flowers  early,  petals  roundish  ovate  ; fruit  depressed,  middle 
sized,  with  a slender  stalk  upwards  of  an  inch  long  inserted  in 
a small  roundish  hollow ; eye  open,  placed  in  a shallow  depres- 
sion ; skin  inclining  to  yellow,  speckled  with  russet ; on  the 
sunny  side  bright  rich  red,  intermixed  with  brownish  spots ; 
flesh  white,  juicy,  rich,  and  sugary.” 

I now  proceed  to  give  the  description  of  this  pear  as  de- 
tailed in  the  New  Diihamel. 

“ The  diameter  of  the  fruit  is  twenty-eight  to  thirty  lines, 
and  its  height  but  twenty-four  to  twenty-six,  its  form  being 
that  of  a globe  somewhat  flattened,  with  a small  cavity  at  the 
part  whence  the  stem  rises,  which  is  fifteen  to  eighteen  lines  in 
length ; the  skin  is  yellowish  green,  scattered  over  with  gray- 
ish points,  and  on  the  side  exposed  to  the  sun  it  is  brownish- 
red  ; the  flesh  is  sweet,  half-melting,  partially  musky  and  very 
agreeable  ; the  seeds  are  black  and  sometimes  entirely  abor- 
tive, and  the  fruit  ripens  the  middle  of  August.” 

The  assertion  made  in  the  Pomological  Magazine,  that  Du- 


10 


TEARS. 


hamel  states  this  pear  to  be  sometimes  called  Cailleau  Rosat) 
is  derived  from  a rather  forced  construction,  for  having  that 
work  now  before  me,  I can  find  no  such  synonyme  or  remark 
mentioned.  He  however  states,  that  it  is  sometimes  called 
Caillot  rosat,  a title  which  if  I mistake  not,  claims  a different 
derivation  and  application  from  that  allotted  to  the  appellation 
misquoted.  The  Caillot-rosat,  Rosie  pebble.  Rosewater,  or 
Pera  del  Campo,  is  distinguished  from  the  Poire  de  Rose  as 
far  back  as  the  time  of  Quintinye  and  Evelyn,  and  mention 
made  by  both  those  authors  ; but  it  is  not  described  separately 
either  by  Rozier  or  in  the  New  Duhamel,  which  would  seem  to 
indicate  some  doubt  as  to  their  being  distinct  varieties. 

RED  ORANGE.  Pr.  cat.  Mil.  For. 

Orange  rouge.  Roz.  Duh.  Mil. 

Orange  d’a'domne. 

Orange.  Mil. 

This  pear  is  almost  globular,  having  a little  more  breadth 
than  lieight ; the  former  measuring  from  twenty-six  to  twenty- 
eight  lines,  and  the  latter  about  two  inches.  The  stem  is  large, 
and  but  six  or  seven  lines  in  length.  The  skin  is  whitish, 
touched  over  with  greenish  points  on  the  shade  side,  and  of  a 
beautiful  coral  colour  next  the  sun,  and  frequently  over  two 
thirds  of  the  surface.  The  flesh  is  half-breaking  and  of  a sweet, 
rich  and  very  pleasant  flavour.  The  fruit  ripens  the  latter 
part  of  August,  and  soon  becomes  soft. 

MUSK  ORANGE.  Pr.  cat.  Mil.  For. 

Orange  rausk.  Mil.  For.  Pr.  cat.  25  ed. 

Orange  musquee.  Roz.  Duh.  Mil.  Coxe. 

Orange  d’ete. 

This  fruit  varies  but  little  in  form  from  the  preceding  one, 
but  is  rather  smaller,  and  its  skin,  which  is  a pale  whitish 
yellow  on  the  shade  side,  is  only  washed  with  a very  light  red 
next  the  sun.  The  flesh  is  breaking,  and  of  a very  agreeable 
musky  flavour.  It  ripens  in  the  course  of  the  month  of  August. 
Miller  describes  this  variety  under  two  distinct  heads,  (see  Mil. 


PEARS. 


41 


Gard.  Die.  No.  9 and  18)  and  quotes  the  same  pear  in  Duha- 
inel  in  both  cases,  although  he  himself  gives  difierent  descrip- 
tions of  it.  Forsyth,  it  will  be  perceived,  follows  him  by  co- 
pying the  error. 

TURKISH  PEAR.  Pr.  cat. 

Poire  Turque.  Duh. 

Bonchr^tien  Turc,  > ? Bon  Jard.  and  various  European 

Bon  Chretien  Turc^  ^ catalogues.  Pr.  cat.  25  ed. 

Turkish  Bonchretien,  ? 

This  pear,  which  is  cultivated  at  the  Jardin  des  Plantes  at 
Paris,  under  the  title  of  Bon  Chretien  Turc,  whence  it  was 
sent  to  a friend  who  transmitted  it  to  me,  Duhamel  remarks, 
has  no  affinity  to  either  the  Summer  or  the  Winter  Bonchretien, 
but  has  far  more  resemblance  to  the  Epine-rose,  being  of  the 
same  form,  and  nearly  the  same  size  and  colour.  The  most 
essential  difference  is  in  the  character  of  its  flesh,  which  is  of  a 
more  firm  consistence,  and  of  a flavour  not  equally  high  and 
perfumed.  This  fruit  ripens  in  the  course  of  the  month  of 
August.  It  seems  difficult  to  reconcile  the  above  remarks 
with  the  facts  that  are  stated  in  the  Bon  Jardinier,  published 
at  Paris,  a work  professedly  edited  by  intelligent  horticultur- 
ists. In  that  publication  it  is  remarked,  that  the  Bon  Chre- 
tien Turc  is  the  most  beautiful  and  the  largest  of  all  the  varie- 
ties of  the  same  class.  It  may  possibly  be  the  case  that  two 
distinct  varieties  are  referred  to  by  the  respective  writers,  which 
have  been  confused  under  the  same  title ; and  as  the  Bon  Chre- 
tien de  Vernois  is  asserted  to  be  synonymous  with  the  B.  Turc, 
this  supposition  is  rendered  still  more  probable. 


WINTER  ORANGE.  Evel.  Pr.  cat. 

Orange  d^hijver.  Quin.  Roz.  Duh.  For. 

The  form  of  this  pear  is  somewhat  globular,  and  flattened 
both  at  the  summit  and  base.  It  is  two  inches  in  height,  and 

6 


42 


PEAKS. 


twenty-seven  lines  in  diameter.  The  eye  is  but  partially  depres- 
sed, being  nearly  even  with  the  fruit ; and  the  stem,  which  is 
large  and  six  or  seven  lines  in  length,  is  inserted  at  the  bottom 
of  a small  cavity. 

The  skin  is  very  thin,  of  a brownish  green,  becoming  some- 
what paler  at  its  maturity,  scattered  over  with  very  small  dots 
of  a darker  shade  of  brownish  green,  and  raised  here  and  there 
by  pimples,  and  sometimes  by  very  projecting  warts.  The 
flesh  is  white,  breaking,  not  gritty,  of  an  exceeding  musky  and 
very  agreeable  flavour.  The  seeds  are  brown,  oblong,  pointed, 
and  well  matured,  and  are  contained  in  broad  cells.  This 
fruit  ripens  in  February,  March,  and  April.  The  tree  is  rather 
vigorous,  and  may  be  grafted  on  both  pear  and  quince. 

I have  also  a variety  in  my  collection  which  was  sent  to  me 
from  one  of  the  first  establishments  in  France,  under  the  title 
of  Orange  rouge  d*  hyv&r^  but  whose  fruit  I have  not  yet 
seen. 

STRIPED  ORANGE.  Pr.  cat. 

Orange  tulipee.  Roz.  Duh.  Pr.  cat.  25  ed. 

Poire  lulip^e.  Quin.  Mil. 

Poire  aux  mouches.  Quin.  Roz.  Duh.  syn. 

Taliped  or  Fly  pear.  Evel. 

Bigarrade,  Mil.  For. 

Tulip  pear — Great  orange^  } 

La  villaine  d^ Anjou,  ^ 

This  fruit  is  of  oval  form,  terminating  in  a point  at  the  stem, 
and  resembling  the  Doyenne  family,  consequently  its  height 
exceeds  its  diameter  more  or  less.  The  former  usually  mea- 
sures near  three  inches,  and  the  latter  two  inches  and  six  lines. 
The  stem  is  large  and  short,  often  only  six  lines  in  length,  and 
is  situated  in  a cavity,  surrounded  with  some  small  projections. 
The  eye  is  in  a pretty  broad  and  deep  depression.  The  skin 
is  green  on  the  shade  side,  and  J>rownish  red  next  the  sun,  with 
some  red  stripes  between  the  r6d  and  the  green.  The  whole 
surface  is  also  covered  with  grayish  spots,  which  render  it 
somewhat  rough  to  the  touch.  The  flesh  is  half-breaking, 
succulent,  and  of  rather  pleasant  taste,  although  there  is  a little 


PEARS. 


43 


tartness  in  the  flavour.  The  seeds  are  long  and  slender,  and 
the  fruit  ripens  at  the  beginning  of  September.  The  tree 
propagates  both  on  the  quince  and  pear.  Quintinye  and 
Evelyn  arrange  the  Tuliped  or  Fly  Pear,  and  the  Villain 
Pear  of  Anjou,  as  distinct  fruits ; but  Miller,  it  will  be  per- 
ceived, unites  them,  and  from  what  authority  I know  not. 


WHITE  DOYENNE.  Pom.  mag.  Pr.  cat. 


Virgalieu,  Doyenne,  St,  Michael,  <Sfc,  Pr.  cat.  25  ed. 
Doyenne,  Beurr^  hlanc,  or  St,  Michael,  Roz. 
Doyenne,  Quin.  Duh.  Mil.  For. 

Doyenne,  Deanes,  or  St.  Michael.  Evel. 

Doyenne  hlanc.  Lond.  Hort.  Soc.  cat. 

Beurr€  hlanc,  \ 

Saint  Michel,  > Duh.  syn.  Mil.  syn. 

Bonne-ente,  } 

Beurr^  doyenne  hlanc,  of  some  French  catalogues. 

St.  Michel.  Quin.  syn. 

Beurr6  hlanc  d^automne,  ^ 

White  or  autumn  hutier  pear,  > Mil.  syn. 

Snow  pear,  ) 

St.  MichaeVs,  Mil.  Fes.  Amer.  Gard. 

Dean's  pear.  Mil.  syn.  and  others. 

Poire  de  neige.  Mil.  syn.  and  others. 

Valencia  or  Valentia.  Mil.  syn.  and  others. 

Carlisle.  Mil.  syn.  and  others. 

Poire  de  Limon, 

Poire  Monsieur, 

Poire  d courte  queue. 

Citron  de  Septemhre, 

Poire  de  Seigneur, 

White  hutter. 

White  heurri, 

Kaiserhirne, 

Die  weisse  herhst  hutterhirne.  Christ. 

Yellow  hutter,  Beurr€  dor^e,  or  St.  Michaels,  Coxc. 

Wrgalue,  > American  gardens. 

Burgalue,  ^ ° 

Garner,  or  Gardner,  of  the  state  of  Rhode  Island. 


of  various  collections. 


I extract  the  following  description  from  the  Pomological 
Magazine.  “ This  is  a very  old  and  excellent  pear,  which  has 
so  long  been  a favourite  with  cultivators,  especially  in  France 
and  Germany,  that  its  names  have  become  in  themselves  a 


44 


fEARS. 


catalogue ; It  Is  a great  and  certain  bearer,  ripens  (In  Eng* 
land)  from  the  end  of  September  to  the  third  week  in  October, 
and  is  of  first  rate  quality  as  a juicy  melting  sort.  It  is  one  of 
the  very  best  to  graft  upon  the  quince,  and  to  cultivate  en 
quenouille.  It  is  almost  to  be  doubted  whether  Miller  really 
knew  it,  although  he  quotes  it,  since  he  calls  it  an  indifferent 
fruit,  which  he  would  have  scarcely  done,  had  he  been  ac- 
quainted with  the  true  kind.  During  the  time  when  it  is  in 
season,  it  yields  to  none  in  excellence.  This  must  by  no 
means  be  confounded  with  the  Doyenne  gris,  or  Red  Doyenne, 
which  is  rounded  and  keeps  better,  but  is  of  inferior  quality. 

“ Wood  strong,  bright  chestnut  colour,  with  brown  spelts ; 
leaves  lanceolate,  folded  together,  recurved,  with  fine  regular 
serratures ; stipules  linear,  at  some  distance  above  the  base  of 
the  petiole,  which  is  slender  and  of  a \\liitish  colour  ; fruit 
middle-sized,  roundish  oblong,  narrowest  at  the  stalk  which  is 
about  half  an  inch  long  and  rather  thick,  inserted  in  a small 
cavity ; eye  placed  in  a shallow  impression ; skin  pale  citron 
yellow,  sprinkled  throughout  with  cinnamon  more  or  less  ac- 
cording to  its  situation  j flesh  white,  juicy,  very  buttery  and 
delicious.” 

I now  proceed  to  give  the  description  from  Duhamel : 

“ This  pear  is  of  handsome  form ; it  is  well  rounded,  the 
largest  part  being  towards  the  head  at  about;^one  third  of  its 
height,  from  which  it  diminishes  to  the  stem  ; it  is  two  inches 
and  six  lines  to  three  inches  in  height,  its  diameter  in  the 
broadest  part  is  generally  about  three  lines  less  than  two 
inches ; the  stem  is  large  and  strong,  and  only  six  or  seven 
lines  long ; the  eye  is  small  and  placed  in  a slight  cavity  ; the 
skin  is  at  first  a greenish  white,  but  becomes  bright  yellow  in 
ripening — sometimes  the  side  next  the  sun  is  a bright  red  co- 
lour ; the  flesh  is  melting,  sweet,  very  agreeable,  and  often 
somewhat  perfumed  ; it  soon  becomes  stringy,  and  then  loses 
a great  part  of  its  excellence.  The  fruit  ripens  at  the  end  of 
September,  and  is  frequently  in  eating  during  the  month  of 
October ; the  tree  is  very  productive,  and  may  be  propagated 
on  either  pear  or  quince.” 


PEARS* 


45 


Many  of  the  intelligent  horticulturists  around  Boston  have 
ceased  to  cultivate  this  variety  on  account  of  the  fruit  pro- 
duced being  small  and  knotty,  a difficulty  that  perhaps  may 
be  remedied  by  pursuing  the  same  course  recommended  for  the 
Summer  Bonchretien. 

In  the  vicinity  of  the  city  of  New-York  and  on  Long 
Island  this  variety  of  the  pear  is  more  extensively  cultivated 
than  any  other,  and  most  of  the  very  ancient  ingrafted  trees 
there  met  with  are  of  this  description,  where  from  time  imme- 
morial it  has  borne  the  title  of  the  Virgalieu  pear.  How  this 
name  originated,  and  whether  it  was  brought  by  the  ancient 
Dutch  settlers,  or  by  some  of  the  numerous  French  emigrants 
at  the  revocation  of  the  edict  of  Nantz,  it  seems  impossible 
now  to  determine  ; suffice  it  to  say,  that  by  that  title  and  cor- 
ruptions thereof,  it  has  been  solely  known  in  the  localities  re- 
ferred to  from  the  remotest  period  of  its  probable  introduction. 
I am  thus  particular  because  there  has  been  some  cavilling  at 
the  application  of  this  title  in  the  New-York  nursery  catalogues ; 
and  it  has  been  also  said  that  the  name  belonged  to  another 
fruit,  and  in  support  of  the  latter  position,  a misnomer  never 
adopted  here  has  been  advanced  for  the  real  one,  and  by  an 
erroneous  statement  at  the  outset  that  the  horticulturists  of  this 
vicinity  called  this  fruit  the  Virgouleuse,  a miraculous  misap- 
plication has  been  made  out  where  none  existed. 

In  support  of  the  correctness  of  adopting  the  title  of  Vir- 
galieu^  which  long  custom  had  established  and  by  which  it 
was  alone  known  to  the  inhabitants  of  this  state  and  adjoining 
districts  of  other  states,  numerous  insjtances  may  be  cited  of 
fruits  originally  introduced  into  England  and  other  countries 
under  erroneous  titles  and  long  cultivated  by  those  names,  where 
it  has  been  deemed  a matter  of  necessity  to  retain  them,  and 
they  have  been  consequently  adopted  by.  their  most  intelligent 
writers  on  horticulture.  A very  striking  instance  of  this  kind 
is  that  of  the  Jargonelle  pear,  (so  called  in  England)  which  is  the 
Epargne,  ovGrosse  cuisse  madame  of  France,  the  error  in  re- 
gard to  which  has  been  recorded  for  more  than  an  age  in  English 
works  without  any  attempt  to  rectify  it, from  the  circumstance  that 


46 


PEARS, 


usage  had  too  firmly  established  it,  and  this  erroneous  title  is 
consequently  continued  in  the  Pomological  Magazine  and 
every  other  English  author,  although  there  has  existed  in 
England  during  the  whole  period  a French  pear  to  which  it 
was  well  known  this  title  had  been  originally  applied  in  its  na- 
tive country,  and  by  which  alone  it  was  there  recognised. 
But  in  the  present  case  even  the  danger  of  confusion  does  not 
exist,  because  the  title  adopted  had  never  been  applied  to  any 
other  variety y and  in  publications  emanating  from  myself  all 
the  other  most  important  synonymes  were  invariably  subjoined 
to  the  one  referred  to. 

It  is  stated  in  Fessenden’s  American  Gardener,  that  at  Bos- 
ton this  pear  was  till  lately  the  pride  of  their  gardens,  but  that 
causes  unknown  have  for  ten  successive  years  blighted  its 
fruit ; yet  he  advises  the  continued  culture  of  it,  because  they 
have  seen  the  peach,  after  fifteen  years  of  failure,  resume  its 
wonted  fertility  and  vigour. 


GRAY  DOYENNE.  Pom.  mag.  Pr.  cat. 

Doyenne  gris.  Roz.  O.  Duh.  For.  Pr.  cat.  25  ed. 

Doyenne  roux.  N.  Duh. 

Xe  beurrej  > some  French  collections. 

Beurre  doyenne  rouxj  ^ 

Bed  doyenne^  of  some  English  catalogues. 

Late  Virgalieu,  of  some  American  collections. 

Doyenne  d^automne,  of  some  European  collections. 

Doyenne  galeux.  Noe.  cat.  and  some  American  catalogues  1 

The  following  description  is  from  the  Pomological  Maga- 
zine, published  in  London. 

This  variety  is  often  confounded  wdth  the  White  Doyenne 
already  described.  The  flow'ers,  wood,  and  leaves  are  almost 
the  same  as  those  of  that  variety ; the  fruit  not  so  large  as 
that,  but  of  a similar  form ; skin  covered  with  a bright  cinna- 
mon russet,  and  occasionally  in  high  ripened  specimens,  red 
next  the  sun  ; flesh  scarcely  so  white  as  that  of  the  preceding 
sort,  rich,  melting,  and  sugary. 

We  think  that  this  is  scarcely  so  good  as  the  White  Doy- 


PEAR*. 


47 


enne  when  that  variety  is  taken  at  its  best  ; but  its  period  of 
perfection  is  so  short,  that  this,  which  will  keep  much  longer 
and  also  possesses  much  excellence  of  flavour,  may  perhaps  be 
considered  the  most  useful.  It  is  a very  great  bearer  grafted 
on  the  quince,  and  as  it  is  very  handsome  and  ripens  immedi- 
ately after  the  white  variety,  no  collection  should  be  without  it.” 

I now  add  the  description  given  in  Duhamel : 

“ This  fruit  is  large,  of  a form  slightly  ovate,  being  rather 
more  narrow  at  the  end  next  the  stalk  ; it  is  usually  three  inches 
in  height  and  two  inches  and  four  lines  in  breadth,  but  they 
occasionally  find  some  which  are  one  fourth  larger  every  way  ; 
the  stem  is  an  inch  long  and  inserted  even  with  the  surface  of 
the  fruit,  and  generally  in  a somewhat  lateral  direction ; the 
skin  is  green,  with  abundance  of  broad  gray  spots,  but  ac- 
quires a dull  red  hue  on  the  sun  side  ; the  flesh  is  very  melting, 
sweet,  combined  with  a partial  degree  of  acidity,  and  extremely 
agreeable.  The  seeds  are  dark  brown,  and  the  fruit,  which  is 
one  of  the  best  kinds,  ripens  in  the  course  of  the  month  of 
September.” 

The  Pomological  Magazine  places  the  Doyenne  roux  of 
the  French  and  the  Red  Doyenne  of  the  English  catalogues  as 
synonymes,  which  by  previous  authors  had  been  considered 
distinct.  Having  long  cultivated  this  variety,  I can  state  from 
experience  that  the  fruit  is  almost  invariably  of  fair  form  and 
good  size,  being  full  as  large  on  the  average  as  the  one  previ- 
ously described.  The  advantage  of  its  keeping  so  much 
longer  renders  this  far  preferable  for  a market  fruit,  and  some 
of  the  farmers  of  this  vicinity  preserve  the  pears  until  late  in 
November  and  even  December,  when  they  are  of  most  beau- 
tiful appearance  and  command  an  exceedingly  high  price. 
Wherever  the  culture  of  the  St.  Michael  is  discontinued,  this 
should  be  the  fruit  to  take  its  place,  which  it  is  so  well  calcu- 
lated to  fill. 

It  is  remarked  by  French  writers  that  the  diflerent  varieties 
of  Beurre  pears  should  be  gathered  from  the  tree  before  matu- 
rity and  ripened  in  the  house,  which  is  the  course  generally 
pursued  in  this  vicinity. 


48 


PEARS. 


BEURRE  BLANC.  Dun.  Pr.  cat. 

Duhamel  describes  this  as  a variety  distinct  from  the  White 
Doyenne,  although  under  that  head  he  quotes  the  same  title 
as  a synonyme  frequently  applied  to  that  variety.  The  Po- 
mological  Magazine  does  not  quote  Duhamel  for  this  as  a 
synonyme,  and  therefore  leaves  it  to  be  inferred  that  it  is  distinct. 

In  the  new  Duhamel  this  fruit  is  described  as  bearing  a per- 
fect resemblance  in  size  and  form  to  the  Beurre  griSy  or  Gray 
Doyenne  last  described,  and  only  differing  in  point  of  colour, 
the  skin  being  yellowish  white  on  the  shade  side  and  washed 
with  very  light  red  next  the  sun.  With  regard  to  the  taste, 
it  is  the  same  as  that  of  the  preceding ; but  sometimes  not 
quite  equal  in  flavour.  This  fruit  ripens  during  the  month  of 
September. 

I have  had  it  under  culture  for  some  years  and  find  the  trees 
thrifty  and  productive,  but  have  not  yet  sufficiently  compared 
the  fruit  with  the  two  preceding  varieties  to  decide  upon  any 
differences  from  my  own  experience. 

BEZI  DE  MONTIGNY.  Pr.  cat.  Roz.  Duh.  For. 

Trouv^  de  Montigny. 

This  pear  in  its  form  bears  much  resemblance  to  the  White 
Doyenne,  but  it  is  usually  rather  longer,  being  thirty-four  to 
thirty-six  lines  in  height  and  twenty-six  to  tT\’enty-seven  lines 
in  its  greatest  diameter.  The  eye  is  situated  nearly  even  with 
the  surface  of  the  fruit,  and  the  stem,  which  is  nine  or  ten 
lines  in  length,  rises  somewhat  laterally  from  a small  cavity 
with  rounded  edges  ; the  skin  is  very  smooth  and  even,  of  a 
light  green  hue,  which  at  the  period  of  maturity  becomes  a 
lemon  colour,  and  is  dotted  over  with  gray  specks  which  are 
small  and  numerous ; the  flesh  is  melting,  with  abundance  of 
musky  juice,  and  quite  agreeable  ; the  seeds  are  dark  broT^m, 
and  the  fruit  ripens  at  the  end  of  September  or  early  in 
October. 


PEAKS. 


4^ 


FRANGIPANE.  Pr.  cat,  Roz.  Coxe. 

Franchipane.  Duh.  Pr.  cat.  25  ed. 

This  pear  is  of  very  regular  form,  measuring  thirty  to  thir- 
ty-three lines  in  height  and  twenty-two  to  twenty-five  lines  in 
its  greatest  diameter,  with  a stem  always  rather  short,  rarely 
exceeding  six  or  eight  lines  in  length,  and  much  larger  at  the 
extremity  where  it  unites  to  the  tree.  The  skin  is  a lemon 
colour  on  the  shade  side,  but  red  next  the  sun,  and  scattered 
almost  entirely  over  with  greyish  specks  ; the  flesh  is  half- 
melting, of  a rich  and  agreeable  flavour,  accompanied  by  a 
little  sharpness ; the  fruit  attains  to  maturity  in  September,  and 
its  title  originated  from  a real  or  imaginary  resemblance  in  the 
taste  to  the  kind  of  French  pastry  called  Franchipane. 


BROWN  BEURRE.  Pr.  cat.  Mil.  For.  Pom.  mag.  Coxe. 


of  all  authors  from  Quintinve  down. 


Beurri,  Roz.  Duh. 

Beurr^  gris,  or  grise,  ^ 

Beurre  dore,  > 

Beurre  rouge,  ^ 

Golden  Beurre.  For.  and  others. 

True  golden  Beurre.  For. 

Red  butter, 

Gray  butter,  > Evel.  Mil.  and  others. 
Green  butter,  ) 

Amboise,  or  Uamboise,  i i 

Isamhert,  of  Normandy,  [ 

Beurre  vert,  y ^ 

Grey  Beurr6.  Fessenden’s  Amer.  Card. 


This  is  one  of  the  choicest  fruits  our  gardens  can  boast,  and 
it  has  been  justly  remarked,  that  there  can  scarcely  be  found 
any  pear  of  autumn  or  winter  that  is  superior  to  it.  In 
England,  however,  it  is  not  sufliciently  hardy  to  bear  as 
a standard,  and  they  are  under  the  consequent  necessity  of 
training  it  as  a wall-fruit.  Its  period  of  ripening  is  about 
the  end  of  September,  and  it  will  not  keep  very  long. 

In  Fessenden’s  American  Gardener  it  is  remarked,  that  this 

7 


50 


PEARS. 


“ is  in  Boston  the  prince  of  pears,  but  of  no  value  in  the  coun- 
try unless  on  walls,  or  in  gardens  sheltered  by  walls  and  hills.” 

From  these  considerations  it  would  appear  preferable,  that 
the  trees  be  low  set,  in  order  that  they  may  be  trained  accord- 
ingly. The  growth  of  the  tree  is  slow,  straggling,  and 
irregular,  and  when  young  it  is  difficult  on  this  account  to  be 
trained  into  an  erect  and  well  formed  standard,  from  which 
cause  it  arises  that  trees  of  this  variety  and  of  the  Gansels  Ber- 
gamot, which  grows  in  a similar  manner,  when  sent  from  the 
nurseries,  have  so  ill  shapen  and  indifferent  an  appearance. 

The  Brown,  Red  and  Golden  Beurres,  which  have  been  de- 
scribed by  numerous  authors  as  distinct,  and  the  Beurre  gris 
dore,  and  rouge,  which  have  been  separately  applied  as  distinct 
titles,  are  identically  the  same  fruit ; and  the  Pomological 
Magazine  follows  the  correct  course  long  since  adopted  by  the 
intelligent  French  writers,  of  uniting  them  all  under  one  head. 

The  Pomological  Magazine,  however,  pays  a high  compli- 
ment to  Duhamel  for  making  known  these  facts  of  the  several 
titles  being  synonymous,  when  by  referring  to  De  la  Quintinye, 
it  will  be  seen  they  were  already  promulgated  ere  Duhamel 
was  in  existence,  and  had  been  repeated  by  Evelyn  in  1693. 

It  can  readily  be  judged  how  much  this  measure  of  proper 
arrangement  was  called  for  in  England,  as  adopted  in  the 
Magazine  referred  to,  when  we  see  that  even  in  the  seventh 
edition  of  Forsyth,  which  purports  to  be  and  really  is  greatly 
improved  upon  the  previous  editions,  this  pear  is  described  un- 
der no  less  than  four  distinct  heads,  the  descriptions  all  vary- 
ing from  each  other. 

The  following  description  given  in  the  magazine  referred  to, 
being  very  precise,  I have  extracted  it : 

“Wood,  moderately  strong,  short  jointed,  flexuose,  very  apt 
to  become  cankered ; but  if  healthy,  of  a bright  reddish  chesnut 
colour,  dotted  with  pale  brown : leaves  rather  large,  ovate- 
oblong,  tapering  to  the  point,  folded  together,  irregularly  and 
obscurely  toothed ; petioles  nearly  an  inch  long ; stipules  often 
as  long  as  the  petiole  ; flowers,  opening  early,  middle  sized  ; 


PEARS, 


51 


petals,  obovate,  tapering  into  the  claw,  very  little  tinged  with 
red  ; fruit,  variable  in  shape,  size,  and  colour,  generally  large, 
obovate,  tapering  to  the  stalk,  which  is  usually  from  half  an 
inch  to  an  inch  long,  thick  and  fleshy  at  its  union  with  the 
spur,  and  thickening  obliquely  into  the  fruit ; eye,  somewhat 
open,  placed  in  a shallow  depression ; skin,  soft,  but  not  smooth, 
of  a greenish  golden  yellow,  appearing  through  a thin  covering 
of  russet ; on  the  sunny  side  sometimes  reddish  brown  : flesh, 
white,  greenish  next  the  skin,  with  some  greenish  veins  through 
it,  melting,  buttery,  juicy,  rich,  and  excellent,  but  sometimes 
rather  gritty.” 


BEURRE  D’AREMBERG.  Pr.  cat.  Lond.  hort.  trans. 

Pom.  mag. 

Due  d' Aremberg^  of  some  collections  and  gardens. 

This  very  excellent  variety  was  introduced  into  our  country, 
from  Flanders,  about  eight  years  since,  and  has  become  pretty 
widely  disseminated  throughout  the  middle  and  eastern  states 
of  the  Union.  The  Gloux  Morceau,  which  was  sent  to  Eng- 
land from  Flanders  at  the  same  time  with  this,  has  been  culti*- 
vated  in  several  English  nurseries  and  private  collections  for 
this  kind,  and  in  some  instances  the  error  originated  there  has 
been  extended  to  this  country  by  trees  sent  from  them.  The 
Gloux  Morceau,  although  of  great  excellence,'  is  rather  infe- 
rior in  quality  to  this. 

I extract  the  following  description  from  the  Pomological 
Magazine : 

“This  pear  is  truly  characterised  in  the  Horticultural  Trans- 
actions as  deserving  ‘ to  be  placed  at  the  head  of  all  the  pears 
in  cultivation.’  We  certainly  do  not  know  any  variety  which 
can  upon  the  whole  be  said  to  equal  it ; for  its  flavour  is  not 
only  excellent,  and  its  flesh  tender  and  juicy,  but  it  is  hardy, 
a great  bearer,  and  will  keep  till  March.  It  is  usually  culti- 
vated as  a dwarf,  being  grafted  on  quince,  and  trained  against 


PEARS, 


525 

an  east  or  west  wall,  but  it  succeeds  perfectly  well  as  an  opes^ 
standard. 

“ The  Colmar  Deschamp,  said  to  be  the  same  as  this,  is  not 
quoted  as  a synonyme,  because  it  is  doubtful  whether  it  be  not 
a distinct  kind.  Wood,  deep  yellowish  brown,  sprinkled  with 
gray  spots ; leaves,  middle  sized,  ovate  oblong,  a little  waved, 
nearly  entire  on  the  old  wood,  slightly  serrated  towards  the 
extremity  of  the  young  shoots,  of  a rich  dark  green  colour 
fruit,  turbinate,  on  an  average  three  and  a half  inches  long 
and  two  and  three  fourths  wide  at  the  broadest  part,  the  stalk 
measuring  one  inch  in  length ; there  is  a contraction  towards 
the  setting  on  of  the  stalk ; skin,  a delicate  pale  green,  very 
slightly  dotted  with  russet,  which  becomes  a deeper  yellow 
when  ripe ; flesh,  whitish,  firm,  very  juicy,  perfectly  melting, 
without  any  grittiness,  and  of  a very  extraordinary  rich,  sweet, 
high  flavoured  quality.’’ 

BEURRE  DIEL.  Van  Mons.  Pr.  cat.  Lond.  hoet.  cat. 

PoJI.  MAG. 

DieVs  Butterhine. 

This  very  large  and  excellent  fruit  was  introduced  to  this 
country  from  the  Netherlands  about  the  same  time  that  it  was 
sent  to  England.  The  following  descriptive  remarks  are  from 
the  Pomological  Magazine,  which  contains  a very  admirable 
figure  of  the  fruit. 

“ This  noble  pear  was  raised  by  Dr.  Van  Mons,  at  Lou- 
vain, and  by  him  named  in  honour  of  Dr.  A.  F.  A.  Diel,  one^ 
of  the  most  distinguished  of  the  German  pomologists.  Its 
great  merit,  independent  of  its  excellence,  is  its  fertility,  both 
when  trained  on  a wall  and  as  a standard.  Its  period  of  ma- 
turity is  the  end  of  November,  and  it  keeps  well  till  the  begin- 
ning of  January.  It  is  of  the  first  rank  among  dessert  pears. 
The  tree  is  a free  grower  and  acquires  considerable  size. 

“ The  wood  is  long,  strong,  flexuose,  olive  green,  with  a 
lew  scattered  oval  spots  of  an  ash  colour ; at  the  ends  covered 


PEABft. 


53 


with  down ; when  old  becoming  light  gray ; leaves  large, 
either  roundish  or  broadly  cordate,  smooth  ; fruit  about  the 
size  and  figure  of  the  Summer  Bonchretien,  without  the  pro- 
tuberances of  that  variety ; it  is  much  swollen  a little  above 
the  middle,  going  off  to  the  eye  either  abruptly  or  gradually, 
and  tapering  straight  to  the  stalk  without  any  contraction  of 
figure ; when  in  perfection  it  is  three  inches  broad  and  four 
inches  long ; skin  when  the  fruit  is  first  gathered  bright  green, 
changing  in  a short  time  to  a bright  orange,  with  little  trace 
of  russet ; and  its  dots  upon  fruit  from  standard  trees  are 
usually  surrounded  with  red  ; eye  close,  in  a deep  cavity,  sur- 
rounded by  knobs,  ribs  or  broad  protuberances  ; stalk  strong, 
woody,  one  and  a half  inches  long,  inserted  in  a deep  funnel- 
shaped  hole  ; flesh  clear  white,  a little  gritty  towards  the  core, 
but  otherwise  perfectly  tender  and  melting,  juicy,  with  a deli- 
cious, rich,  aromatic,  saccharine  flavour,  without  any  percep- 
tible mixture  of  acid ; core  very  small,  with  narrow  cells  ; 
seeds  usually  abortive.” 


EASTER  BEURRE.  Pom.  mag.  Pr.  cat, 

Bereamoite  de  la  Pentecoie,  } c r?  u ^ i 
Bergamot  pentecote,  ^ <=atalogue.-. 

Beurr^  d^hyver  de  Bruxelles.  Taschenbuch. 

Bezy  Chaumontel  tr^s  gros.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

Doyenne  d^hyver,  of  some  collections. 

Beurr^  d’hyver,  nouvelle  espece  ? 

This  fine  fruit,  introduced  of  late  years  to  our  country,  is 
thus  remarked  upon  and  described  in  the  Pomological  Maga- 
zine : 

“ Of  all  the  very  late  keeping  pears,  this  is  decidedly  the 
best.  It  has  been  recently  introduced  into  England  from  the 
continent,  but  its  origin  there  is  not  known.  In  many  of  the 
foreign  collections  it  is  confounded  with  the  Bergamot  de 
paques  or  Easter  Bergamot,  a good  but  inferior  variety,  from 
which  it  is  distinguishable,  not  only  by  its  fruit,  but  also  by 
its  wood,  which  is  reddish  yellow,  not  t^fcen  as  that  of  the 


54 


PEARS. 


Easter  Bergamot.  It  is  probable  from  some  circumstances 
that  the  origin  of  this  kind  was  Flanders. 

‘‘The  pear  of  this  name,  described  in  the  Hort.  Transac- 
tions by  M.  Parmentier,  is  not  here  cited  as  a synonyme,  be- 
cause it  is  characterised  as  a crisp  fruit,  which  this  never  is  ; 
for  a similar  reason  the  pear  so  called  in  Van  Mons’  Arhres 
Fruitiers,  is  omitted,  that  writer,  speaking  of  its  musky  fla- 
vour, a quality  unknown  in  the  subject  of  these  remarks.  It 
is  a most  profuse  bearer  grafted  upon  the  quince. 

“Wood  reddish  yellow,  sprinkled  with  distinct  whitish  spots ; 
leaves  oblong,  folded  together ; flowers  early,  very  abundant, 
middle  sized,  petals  oval,  not  imbricated ; fruit  large,  roundish- 
oblong,  broadest  towards  the  eye,  which  is  sunk  in  a mode- 
rately deep  depression  ; stalk  short,  thick,  sunk  in  a deep  ca- 
vity ; skin  green,  speckled  with  russet-brown — when  ripe 
becoming  yellowish ; flesh  whitish,  inclining  to  yellow,  per- 
fectly buttery  and  melting,  and  extremely  high  flavoured.” 

BEURRE  RANGE.  Pr.  cat.  Van  Mons.  Lond.  hort.  trans, 
Pom.  mag.  For. 

Beurre  d^Ardempont  du  printemSf  ^ 

Hardenpont  du  printems,  > of  various  collections. 

Beurre  epine,  7 

I quote  the  following  description  and  remarks  relating  to 
this  pear,  from  the  Pomological  Magazine  : 

“ It  is  described  by  Dr.  Van  Mons  as  being  the  best  of  the 
late  pears,  keeping  from  December  to  May.  This  is  perhaps 
to  ascribe  too  high  a character  to  the  variety,  which  is  how- 
ever, undoubtedly  of  rare  excellence,  not  only  on  account  of 
its  flavour,  but  also  of  the  capability  it  possesses  of  keeping 
sound  and  in  perfection  till  a late  period  of  the  spring.  It  was 
raised  at  Mons  by  the  late  M.  Hardenpont,  by  whom  a num- 
ber of  other  good  Flemish  pears  were  obtained  from  seed  some 
years  ago.  The  tree  is  vigorous,  and  a good  bearer  after  a 
few  years;  it  has  a straggling  mode  of  growth,  the  shoots  be- 
ing in  many  cases  pendulous. 


PEARS. 


55 


“ Wood  brownisli  yellow,  sprinkled  with  roundish  gray 
dots ; leaves  middle-sized,  ovate,  flat ; stipules  linear,  about  as 
long  as  the  petioles,  upon  the  young  wood ; flowers  early, 
large,  with  imbricated  petals ; fruit  middle-sized,  oblong,  ta- 
pering to  the  stalk,  which  is  long  and  slender  ; skin  deep  green 
at  all  times  even  when  most  ripe ; flesh  green,  melting,  rather 
gritty,  having  a delicious  rich  flavour,  with  very  little  acid  ; 
the  fruit  shrivels  in  ripening.” 


BEURRE  ROMAIN.  Pr.  cat.  N.  Duh. 

Roman  Beurr^. 

This  fruit  is  perfectly  ovate,  but  its  form  contracts  abruptly 
towards  the  stem,  which  is  short,  being  only  five  or  six  lines  in 
length.  The  height  of  this  pear  is  three  inches  and  six  lines, 
and  its  diameter  twenty-six  lines.  Both  the  eye  and. the  stem 
are  placed  even  with  the  outer  surface  of  the  fruit,  that  is, 
they  are  not  placed  within  any  cavity  ; the  skin  which  is  at 
first  green,  becomes  altogether  a light  yellow  during  its  ripening 
and  interspersed  with  numerous  grayish  specks ; the  flesh  is 
half-melting,  sweet,  perfumed,  and  very  agreeable.  The  seeds 
are  brown,  and  the  fruit  ripens  at  the  end  of  September. 

ANGLETERRE.  Pr.  cat.  Roz.  Duh.  Coxe. 

Poire  d^Angleterre. 

Beurre  d'Angleierre.  Ros.  syn.  Duh.  syn.  Pr.  cat.  25  cd. 

AngleterrOf  or  English  heurree.  Coxe. 

The  form  of  this  pear  is  exactly  pyramidal;  its  height 
thirty-three  to  thirty-six  lines  and  its  breadth  twenty-three  to 
twenty-five,  but  there  are  occasionally  some  of  larger  and 
some  of  smaller  dimensions  ; the  skin  is  generally  light  green 
without  any  other  particular  shade,  but  sometimes  it  becomes  a 
little  yellowish  at  perfect  maturity,  and  the  sunny  side  acquires 
a reddish  tint — in  all  cases  it  is  dotted  over  with  numerous 
grayish  specks.  The  flesh  is  very  melting  and  replete  witli 


56 


PEARS. 


rich  and  pleasant  juice.  It  ripens  in  September,  and  soon  after 
becomes  soft ; the  seeds  are  blacldsh  brown,  large  and  per- 
fect. There  is  no  variety  more  extensively  cultivated  at  Paris 
and  its  environs  than  this,  and  during  the  month  of  September 
the  markets  are  filled  with  the  fruit.  The  tree  is  very  produc- 
tive and  seldom  fails  to  afford  a crop ; it  is  only  propagated 
on  the  pear  stock,  as  it  does  not  succeed  on  the  quince. 

I perceive  that  Forsyth  quotes  this  from  Duhamel  as  a syno- 
nyme  of  the  Brown  Beurre,  which  is  a great  error,  it  being  a 
very  melting  pear,  and  therefore  the  appellation  of  Beurre, 
in  every  case  misapplied. 


MOUTHWATER.  Pr.  cat. 

Verte  longue.  Roz.  Duh.  Mil.  For.  Coxe. 

Mouille  houche,  Roz.  syn.  Duh.  syn.  Mil. 

Great  Mouthwater,  } p, 

Gros  mouille  houche,  ^ 

Verte  longue  d*automne. 

Mouille  houche  d’automne,  ) ^ 

Autumn  mouthwater,  J ' • j ' 

Long  green.  Mil.  and  others. 

Muscat  Jleure,  a synonyme  quoted  in  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

This  pear  is  most  commonly  of  an  exact  pyramidal  form ; 
its  height  thirty-three  lines  and  its  greatest  diameter  twenty- 
six,  tapering  very  much  towards  the  stalk.  Sometimes  it  as- 
sumes a turbinate  form,  of  equal  breadth  as  height,  being 
twenty-eight  or  twenty-nine  lines  in  each  direction  ; the  posi- 
tion of  the  eye  is  even  with  the  outer  edge  of  the  fruit,  and 
the  stem  is  green  and  eight  or  nine  lines  in  length  ; the  skin 
is  even  at  the  period  oP  maturity  of  an  uniform  shade  of  rather 
dark  green,  and  is  also  perfectly  smooth  : in  some  cases,  how- 
ever, one  may  observe  a grayish  streak  running  lengthwise  of 
the  fruit.  The  flesh  is  rather  firm,  but  melting,  and  of  a plea- 
sant flavour,  with  some  sweetness  and  richness.  The  seeds 
are  brown,  and  the  fruit  ripens  at  the  end  of  September  or 
early  in  October.  The  tree  is  thrifty,  its  foliage  dark  green, 
and  it  has  altogether  a very  healthy  appearance.  Another 


PEARS.  ^ 


57 


variety,  totally  different  from  this,  is  cultivated  erroneously  by 
the  same  name  in  some  collections.  Miller  describes  this 
pear  also  under  two  distinct  heads,  as  quoted  above,  (see  Mil. 
Card.  Die.  No.  30  and  36)  and  although  he  varies  in  the  de- 
scriptions, and  states  that  one  is  round  and  the  other  long, 
still  I consider  them  as  without  doubt  synonymous,  for  I find 
no  distinction  of  the  kind  advanced  in  any  French  publication, 
and  he  has  referred  to  no  authority  but  in  the  one  case.  This 
error  Forsyth  copies  from  him. 


STRIPED  LONG  GREEN.  Pr.  cat.  Coxe. 

Striped  Dean,  Pr.  cat.  25  ed. 

Culotte  de  Suisse.  Duh. 

Verte  longue  panachee,  or  Suisse.  Roz.  Duh.  Coxe. 

Verte  longue,  Striped,  or  Swiss.  For. 

This  is  a very  handsome  fruit  to  the  view,  on  account  of  the 
colour  of  its  perfectly  smooth  skin,  where  the  green  is  pleas- 
antly variegated  by  long  yellow  stripes  which  extend  from  the 
summit  to  the  base  of  the  fruit,  with  some  occasional  light 
touches  of  red  next  the  sun.  It  is  thirty  lines  in  height,  and 
two  inches  in  breadth,  its  form  being  a pretty  exact  pyramid. 
The  flesh  is  melting,  replete  with  sweet  juice,  which  is  musky 
and  very  agreeable.  The  seeds  are  brown,  of  oblong  form, 
and  very  much  pointed,  and  the  fruit  ripens  at  the  end  of 
September. 


GREEN  SUGAR.  Evel.  Mil.  Pr.  cat.  Coxe. 


Sucr^  vert.  Roz.  Duh.  Mil.  Coxe. 
Sucr6  verd.  Quin. 


Sugar  green.  Evel. 


This  fruit  has  often  a turbinate  form,  being  twenty-five  or 
twenty-six  lines  in  diameter,  and  of  the  same  height : some- 
times it  is  larger,  and  rather  pyramidal  in  its  shape,  measur- 
ing thirty-three  inches  in  height  and  twenty-eight  or  twenty- 

8 


58 


PEARS. 


nine  in  breadth.  The  position  of  the  eye  is  nearly  even  with 
the  fruit.  The  skin  is  smooth,  light  green,  scattered  over  with 
very  numerous  small  specks  of  a deeper  shade  of  the  same 
colour  : but  when  at  perfect  maturity,  the  green  changes  to  a 
yellowish  hue.  The  desh  is  partially  melting,  and  sweet,  with 
more  or  less  richness,  and  is  quite  pleasant  to  the  taste.  The 
seeds  are  brown  and  oblong,  and  the  fruit  ripens  at  the  end 
of  October.  The  tree  is  of  very  thrifty  and  vigorous  growth, 
extremely  productive,  and  produces  its  fruit  in  clusters.  It 
may  be  propagated  on  both  pear  and  quince  stocks. 


VINE,  OR  LADY’S.  Pr.  cat. 


Poire  de  Vigne.  Duh.  Mil. 
Vigne  Demoiselle.  Roz. 

^igne,  > Quin.  Duh.  Mil. 
Demoiselle^  ^ 

Vine  pear.  Mil.  For. 

Vine,  or  Damsel.  Evel. 


The  form  of  this  pear  is  that  of  a top.  It  is  two  inches  in 
height,  and  two  lines  less  in  its  greatest  diameter,  with  a stem 
from  eighteen  to  twenty  lines  in  length.  The  skin  is  rough 
to  the  touch,  and  of  a russet-gray  colour.  The  flesh  is  half- 
melting and  rather  rich,  but  soon  becomes  mealy,  and  then 
loses  its  flavour.  The  seeds  are  dark  brown,  large  in  propor- 
tion to  the  size  of  the  fruit,  which  ripens  in  October. 


MARTIN-SEC.  Pr.  cat.  Roz.  Duh.  For.  Coxe. 


Dry  Martin. 
Rousselet  d^kyver, 
Winter  Rousselet 


’ j erroneously. 


This  fruit  is  two  inches  in  diameter,  and  two  inches  and  six 
or  seven  lines  in  height,  but  often  of  smaller  size : it  is  also 
pyriform,  terminating  in  a point  at  the  stem,  which  varies 
greatly  in  its  length,  from  eight  or  nine  lines  to  eighteen. 
The  eye  is  close  set  in  a small  cavity,  bordered  with  furrows 


PEARS. 


59 


and  pretty  distinct  prejections.  The  skin  is  of  a russet  hue  or 
light  hazel  colour  on  the  shade  side,  and  bright  red  next  the 
sun  ; and  is  scattered  over  with  small  white  specks  which  are 
very  apparent  upon  the  red  part  of  the  fruit.  The  flesh  is 
breaking,  occasionally  somewhat  gritty,  in  general  dry,  and 
possessing  little  juice.  The  flavour  is  sweet,  partially  per- 
fumed, and  quite  pleasant.  It  is  excellent  when  cooked,  and 
then  becomes  of  a red  colour,  and  is  one  of  the  best  kinds  to 
be  stewed  or  preserved.  The  seeds  are  dark  brown,  moder- 
ately large,  and  long.  The  fruit  ripens  in  November,  De- 
cember, and  January,  and  sometimes  becomes  mellow  pretty 
speedily.  The  tree  is  very  productive,  and  can  be  grafted  on 
either  pear  or  quince.  De  la  Quintinye  and  Evelyn  designate 
two  varieties  : one  by  the  title  of  Burgundy  Dry  Martin  ; and 
the  other  as  the  Dry  Martin  of  Champagne ; the  latter  being 
the  best.  Miller  also  speaks  of  these  two  varieties.  Rozier 
remarks,  that  the  fruit,  which  is  of  medium  size,  bears  some 
resemblance  to  the  Rousselet,  but  is  less  round  at  the  head.  It 
is  doubtless  from  such  similarity  that  this  has  been  by  some 
called  the  Winter  Rousselet,  as  Miller  intimates. 


SUMMER  BONCHRETIEN.  Pr.  cat.  Pom.  mag.  Mil.  For. 

Bon  Chretien  (V^U.  Roz.  Duh.  Mil. 

Gracioli.  Roz.  Duh. 

Gros  Bon  Chretien. 

Gracioli 

Boncretien.  Quin.  Evcl.  Mil. 

Die  Sommer  Christbirne,  ^ 

Die  gule  Christbirne,  V of  various  German  authors. 

Sommer  gute  Christbirne  grosse,  y 
Music  Summer  Bon  Chretien.  Coxe. 

jZglnelfC’  i of  NewJersej,  &c. 

The  following  description  I extract  from  the  Pomological 
Magazine  : 

“ A valuable,  well  known  autumn  pear,  the  origin  of  which 
is  lost  in  the  darkness  of  antiquity.  It  has  been  long  culti- 


60 


PEARS. 


vated  all  over  Europe  for  the  sake  of  the  size  and  the  delicious 
flavour  of  its  fruit.  By  some  pomologists  it  is  supposed  to  be 
the  Regalia  of  Valerius  Cordus  ; the  Piri  di  Gacemella  of 
Agostino  Gallo,  and  the  Domestica  Pentagonum  perelegans, 
and  Pugillariiim  Bollense,  of  John  Bauhin.  If  these  conjec- 
tures be  correct,  its  origin  must  be  dated  as  far  back,  at  least, 
as  the  beginning  of  the  sixteenth  century,  and  probably  much 
higher.  It  is  quite  certain  that  it  has  found  a place  in  every 
work  of  consequence  for  the  last  one  hundred  and  fifty  years. 
Upon  the  continent  it  is  known  by  a great  number  of  different 
names.  In  Italy  it  is  called  GracioU,  and  Gratiola  di  Roma  ; 
in  Holland,  Zomar  Safraan,  Apotheker  Peer,  Kanneelpeer, 
Sucker  Kanijpeer,  Kanjerioeel,  Kruidkanjerweel,  Marsepein- 
peer,  and  Schager  Magd  ; in  some  parts  of  Germany,  Malva- 
sierhirne,  and  Strashurgerhirne ; in  Wurtemberg  and  Anspach, 
it  has  the  name  of  Zuckerhirne  ; in  Thuringia,  of  Zucheraden- 
hirne ; and  finally,  in  Vienna,  it  is  known  by  the  name  of 
Plutzerhirne,  from  its  resemblance  in  form  to  a wine-flask. 

“ It  keeps  a few  da3^s  only,  and  in  a week  or  ten  da}'S  after 
being  gathered  it  begins  to  rot  at  the  core.  Wood,  long, 
flexuose  or  zigzag,  smooth,  with  prominent  buds,  forming  a 
drooping  tree  like  the  Jargonelle  (Epargne.)  Leaves,  roun- 
dish, with  a point,  smooth,  flat,  slightly  and  regularly  serrated ; - 
when  young,  very  thin,  and  pale  green  on  both  sides,  by  which 
it  is  readily  distinguished  from  the  Jargonelle,  (Epargne)  in 
which  they  are  at  that  time  of  a thick  cottony  texture. 

“ Flowers,  the  largest  among  pears.  Fruit,  produced  upon 
the  extremities  of  young  branches,  which  must  be  borne  in  mind 
in  pruning  the  tree  ; varying  from  three  and  a half  to  four  and 
a half  inches  in  length,  and  from  two  and  a half  to  three  inches 
in  breadth  across  the  widest  part,  exceedingly  knobby  and  ir- 
regular in  outline,  particularly  about  the  eye,  quite  blunt  at  the 
base : skin,  when  full}^  ripe,  of  a pale  lemon  colour,  very  slightly 
tinged  wdth  red  on  the  sunny  side,  and  covered  all  over  pretty 
regularly  with  small  green  dots  ; eye,  prominent,  small ; flesh, 
3"ellowish,  breaking,  firm,  juicy,  very  sweet  and  excellent ; core, 
very  small,  placed  near  the  eye  ; seeds,  all  abortive.” 


rEARS. 


61 


In  referring  to  Duhamel’s  description,  I see  nothing  to  add 
to  the  above,  except  that  the  stem  is  generally  from  twenty  to 
twenty-four  lines  in  length,  and  is  frequently  inserted  somewhat 
laterally  in  the  fruit : the  skin  is  very  smooth  ; the  flesh  is 
meltings  but  somewhat  breaking,  and  very  ’^wicy. 

So  far  as  my  own  experience  goes,  and  I have  had  bearing 
trees  around  me  from  boyhood,  this  is  one  of  the  least  produc- 
tive varieties  cultivated  among  us,  and  without  particular  at- 
tention, the  fruit  is  mostly  knotty  and  of  small  size  ; and  Fes- 
senden remarks,  that  it  is  scarcely  possible  to  raise  it  in  the 
country  around  Boston,  on  account  of  its  being  subject  to  spots 
and  cracks.  I have  noticed,  however,  that  when  the  branches 
of  large  trees  of  this  sort  are  sawed  off,  so  as  to  force  out  new 
thrifty  shoots,  the  crops  are  far  more  abundant  as  well  as  of  large 
size  and  excellent  quality.  A tree  thus  treated  stands  in  the 
garden  of  Gardiner  Greene,  Esq.  of  Boston,  to  which  the  po- 
mologists  of  that  city  can  direct  their  attention. 

It  is  mentioned  in  the  Bornological  Magazine,  that  it  is  doubt- 
ful whether  the  second  variety  mentioned  in  the  German  pub- 
lications exists  in  England.  I have  possessed  it  in  my  collec- 
tion for  many  years,  where  it  has  repeatedly  produced  fruit, 
and  1 will  now  proceed  to  describe  it. 


MUSK  SUMMER  BONCHRETIEN.  Pr.  cat. 

Bon  Chretien  d’He,  musque.  Roz.  Duh. 

Bon  Chretien  musque. 

Bon  Chretien  or  Summer  Bon  Chretien.  Coxe. 

This  fruit  is  thirty-three  lines  in  height,  and  twenty-seven 
in  diameter,  and  generally  approaches  a pyramidal  form : it 
often  assumes  a shape  more  or  less  irregular  : sometimes  it  is 
swollen  with  protuberances  and  ridges,  and  at  others  it  is  only 
partially  angular  near  the  head.  The  stem  is  fifteen  lines  in 
length,  and  inserted  within  a cavity  surrounded  by  ridges  or 
projections.  The  skin  is  smooth  and  yellow,  with  a slight 
tint  of  red  next  the  sun.  The  flesh  is  white,  speckled,  with 


62 


PEARS. 


greenish  points,  and  is  breaking,  rather  sweet,  and  highly 
musky.  The  seeds  are  small  and  brown,  and  the  fruit  ripens 
at  the  end  of  August,  or  early  in  September.  It  is  one  of  the 
best  pears  of  that  season,  but  is  subject  to  split  and  crack  be- 
fore it  attains  to  maturity.  The  tree  does  not  succeed  by  in- 
grafting on  the  quince,  and  is  delicate  when  ingrafted  on  the 
pear.  Mr.  Coxe,  in  his  work  on  fruit  trees,  has  transposed  the 
titles  of  this  and  the  preceding  variety. 


MANSUETTE.  Ph.  cat.  O.  Duh. 

Solitaire.  N.  Duh.  O.  Duh.  syn. 

Mansnette  solitaire.  Roz.  Bon  Jard. 

Solitary  Mansuette.  Auth. 

The  form  of  this  pear  has  but  little  regularity,  approximating 
in  a great  degree  to  that  of  the  Winter  Bonchretien,  (Bon 
Chretien  cVhyrer)  but  with  few'er  projections  and  undulations. 
Its  height  is  three  inches  five  lines,  and  its  diameter  two  inches 
seven  lines,  w ith  a stem  tw  els  e or  fourteen  lines  in  length,  which 
commonly  rises  obliquely,  and  has  at  its  junction  a swelling  or 
protuberance,  and  some  compressed  furrows.  The  skin  is 
green,  speckled  with  brown,  and  sometimes  entirely  of  the  lat- 
ter colour  on  the  shade  side ; the  part  next  the  sun  becomes  a 
little  yellowdsh,  and  even  acquires  a slight  tint  of  red  at  the 
period  at  which  the  fruit  attains  to  maturity.  The  flesh  is 
white,  half  melting,  quite  juicy,  accompanied  by  a little  sharp- 
ness of  flavour.  The  seeds  are  small,  broad,  and  light  brow  n. 
The  fruit  ripens  about  the  beginning  of  September,  and  soon 
becomes  soft.  The  tree  can  be  grafted  more  advantageously 
on  the  quince  than  on  the  pear. 


MARTIN  SIRE.  N.  Duh. 

This  is  a very  different  fruit  from  the  one  described  in  Du- 
hamel  as  the  RotiviUe  or  Martin  Sire,  of  w hich  I shall  next 
give  a description.  It  is  a very  handsome  pear,  whose 


PEARS. 


63 


form  would  be  almost  ovate  if  it  was  not  partially  contracted 
towards  the  peduncle,  and  if  the  eye  was  not  inserted  within  a 
pretty  deep  cavity,  surrounded  by  very  projecting  swellings  or 
protuberances.  Its  height  is  four  inches  less  by  three  lines, 
and  its  greatest  diameter  taken  at  the  medium  of  its  height,  is 
three  inches  and  two  lines ; the  stem,  usually  inserted  rather 
laterally,  is  nearly  two  inches  in  length,  and  the  skin  is  almost 
wholly  of  a yellowish  green  hue,  attaining  only  a slight  russet 
tint  next  the  sun.  The  flesh  is  firm,  rather  dry,  sweet,  and 
quite  agreeable,  although  not  high  flavoured.  The  seeds  are 
light  brown  and  well  perfected,  and  the  fruit  ripens  in  Novem- 
ber or  December.  In  the  New  Duhamel  it  is  announced  that 
this  fruit  was  presented  to  the  author  by  M.  Hervy,  director  of 
the  gardens  of  the  Luxembourg.  I am  not  aware  whether  this 
or  the  succeeding  variety  is  that  which  I have  in  my  collection 
under  the  name  of  Martin  Sire,  but  will  soon  be  enabled,  by 
critical  examination,  to  decide  the  point.  And  as  I have  trees 
obtained  from  various  sources  under  the  same  name,  it  is  more 
than  probable  they  may  include  both  the  varieties. 

RONVILLE.  N.  Dun. 

Martin  sire,  or  Ronville.  Roz.  ? O.  Duh.  ? Mil.  ? For.  " 

Ronville,  or  Martin  sire.  Quin.  ? Evel.  ? 

Martin  sire.  Pr.  cat.  ? 

Lord  Martin  pear.  Mil.  syn.  ? 

Hocrenaille.  Mil.  syn.  ? Die.  d’Agric.  syn. 

Loire  de  Bunville.  Die.  d’Agric.  syn. 

This  pear  is  very  oblong,  being  usually  three  inches  and  two 
to  four  lines,  and  sometimes  even  near  four  inches  in  height, 
and  from  twenty-five  to  twenty- seven  lines  in  its  greatest  dia- 
meter. The  stem  is  enlarged  at  the  point  of  junction  with  the 
fruit,  and  from  ten  to  twelve  lines  in  length.  The  skin,  which 
is  at  first  light  green,  becomes  a little  yellow  at  maturity,  and 
is  entirely  dotted  over  with  a great  number  of  small  grayish 
specks.  The  flesh  is  firm,  somewhat  breaking,  of  a pleasant 
flavour,  partially  sweet,  and  sometimes  gritty  around  the  seeds, 
which  arc  brown  and  well  perfected.  Duhamel  himself  re- 


64 


PEARS. 


marked,  that  there  were  commonly  but  four  cells  in  this  pear ; 
others,  however,  have  observed  five,  but  not  a greater  number. 
As  is  the  case  with  a great  many  other  varieties,  one  of  the 
two  seeds  which  are  in  each  cell  is  almost  invariably  abortive. 
This  fruit  ripens  at  the  end  of  October  or  early  in  November. 
I have  quoted  the  Ronville,  or  Martin-sire  of  Quintinye  and 
Evelyn,  with  an  expression  of  doubt,  because  they  mention 
theirs  as  ripening  in  January.  Tt  appears,  by  referring  back  to 
Rozier,  that  although  he  and  the  New  Duhamel  doubtless  re- 
fer to  the  same  fruit,  there  exists  some  variation  between  their 
respective  descriptions.  Miller’s  description  likewise  varies 
somewhat  from  the  preceding  one. 


BEAUTY  OF  AUTUMN.  Pr.  cat. 


Bellissime  d'automne,  > p 
Vermilion, 

Supreme. 

Petit  certeau. 


Duh. 


Pr.  cat.  25  ed. 


This  pear  is  much  elongated,  and  not  of  very  regular  form  ; 
it  is  rounded,  and  in  general  raised  by  swellings  or  irregular 
projections,  and  is  three  inches  and  a half  in  height  and  two 
inches  in  diameter  at  the  widest  part.  The  stem  is  fifteen  to 
eighteen  lines  in  length,  and  it  has  commonly  one  or  tw'o  pro- 
jecting ridges  around  it.  The  skin  is  yellowish  on  the  shaded 
side,  and  a fine  red  next  the  sun,  entirely  dotted  over  with  small 
fawn-coloured  specks.  The  flesh  is  white,  half  melting,  occa- 
sionally somewhat  gritty,  with  a pleasant  and  rather  high  fla- 
vour, which  is  very  agreeable.  The  fruit  attains  to  maturity 
early  in  September,  and  readily  becomes  mellow.  The  tree 
is  vigorous,  and  may  be  propagated  on  either  pear  or  quince. 
I perceive  that  in  the  London  Horticultural  Society’s  catalogue, 
the  Vermilion  d’ete  is  ranged  as  a synonyme  of  this  variety, 
but  I follow  the  Nevv  Duhamel  in  keeping  them  distinct,  in 
which  other  French  authors  coincide. 


TEARS. 


65 


FINE  GOLD  OF  SEPTEMBER.  Pr.  cat. 

Fin  or  de  Septembre.  Roz  Duh.  Pr  cat.  25  ed. 

Fin  or  d"' Orleans,  Quin.  ? Evel.  ? and  of  many  French  collec. 

This  pear  is  of  very  regular  form,  two  inches  nine  lines  in 
height,  and  two  inches  in  diameter  at  the  most  swollen  part, 
which  is  towards  the  head,  at  about  one  third  of  its  height : 
the  stem  is  very  long,  often  exceeding  two  inches  : the  skin  is 
altogether  of  a li^ht  green  hue,  scattered  over  with  small  red- 
dish specks  on  the  side  next  the  sun.  The^flesh  is  half  melting, 
with  a small  degree  of  acidity,  and  quite  pleasant.  The  fruit 
ripens  at  the  beginning  of  September. 

CASSANTE  DE  BREST.  Pr.  cat.  N.  Dun. 

Brest  melting,  Pr.  cat.  25  ed. 

Inconnue  Chenau.  Quin  Roz.  Duh. 

Fondant e de  Brest.  Roz.  syn.  Duh.  syn. 

Unknown  Chenau.  Evel. 

Chenau. 

Breaking  pear  of  Brest.  Auth. 

Per  sick  pear. 

The  form  of  this  fruit  is  precisely  the  same  as  the  preceding ; 
it  is  only  a little  smaller,  being  but  two  inches  six  lines  in  height, 
and  twenty-two  lines  in  breadth,  with  a stem  proportionate  in 
its  length,  say  from  twelve  to  eighteen  lines.  It  is  in  the  con- 
sistence and  flavour  of  the  fruit  that  we  find  differences  suflicient 
to  establish  its  distinct  character.  The  skin  is  white,  approach- 
ing a very  light  green,  dotted  over  with  numberless  greenish 
specks,  and  lightly  tinged  with  dull  red  next  the  sun.  The 
flesh  is  rather  firm,  half  breaking,  of  a sweet  and  moderately 
rich  flavour.  The  seeds  are  blackish  brown,  and  the  fruit 
ripens  at  the  end  of  August  or  early  in  September, 

9 


(56 


riiJARS. 


ADMIRAL.  Pr.  cat. 

Foir  d'Amiral.  N.  Duh.  Pr.  cat.  25  ed. 

The  Admiral  pear  is  of  exact  pyramidal  form,  and  very 
round  near  the  base,  with  a height  of  three  inches  to  three  inches 
and  a half,  and  a breadth  of  from  twenty-eight* to  thirty  lines. 
The  skin  is  even  and  regular,  of  a light  green  hue,  dotted  over 
with  numerous  grayish  specks,  and  a little  touched  with  russet 
next  the  sun.  The  flesh  is  moderately  firm,  readily  dissolving 
in  the  mouth,  of  a sweet  and  agreeable  flavour,  and  soon  be- 
comes soft.  The  ^eeds  are  brown  and  large  when  perfectly 
developed,  the  major  part  being  often  abortive.  The  fruit 
ripens  at  the  end  of  September.  De  la  Quintinye  and  Evelyn 
mention  a pear  called  Portugal  Summer,  Prince  pear,  or  Ad- 
miral, ripening  in  July  ; we  can  therefore  scarcely  suppose 
them  to  refer  to  this. 

ST.  LEZAIN.  Pr.  cat.  N.  Duh. 

Si.  Lezin.  Pr.  cat.  25  ed.  Evel.  Foil,  et  Turp.  For. 
Monsieur  le  Cure. 

The  merit  of  this  fruit  consists  in  its  size,  for  this  beautiful 
pear  is  in  respect  to  taste  but  an  indifferent  variety ; it  is  often 
four  inches  six  lines  and  even  more  in  height,  and  three  inches 
two  or  three  lines  in  its  greatest  diameter,  which  is  at  about 
one  third  its  height;  the  part  next  the  stalk  gradually  diminish- 
ing in  size.  The  stem  which  is  sixteen  to  eighteen  lines  in 
length,  emerges  from  a small  cavity,  one  side  of  which  is  often 
raised  by  a singular  protuberance ; the  e3^e  at  the  opposite 
extremity  is  situated  even  with  the  outer  edge  of  the  fruit. 
The  skin  which  is  at  first  green  over  every  part,  becomes  a little 
yellow  in  ripening,  and  is  dotted  over  with  small  grayish  points, 
and  sometimes  acquires  a very  slight  tint  of  red  next  to  the 
sun ; the  flesh  is  rather  firm  and  does  not  possess  a great  deal 
of  flavour,  but  has  a partial  acidity  in  its  taste.  The  seeds 
are  very  oblong  and  almost  black,  and  the  fruit  ripens  at  the 
end  of  September  or  early  in  October. 


CALEBASH.  Pr.  cat. 

Calebasse.  N.  Duh. 

The  form  of  this  pear  has  caused  it  to  receive  the  title  it 
bears ; its  height  is  three  inches  and  a half,  and  its  greatest 
breadth  twenty-four  to  twenty-five  lines ; the  eye  is  even  with 
the  fruit  and  indeed  slightly  projecting,  surrounded  with  small 
swellings  which  extend  a short  distance  over  the  fruit,  thereb}^ 
rendering  its  surface  irregular  and  not  perfectly  round  ; the 
stem  is  of  a dark  red  colour  and  twenty  lines  in  length ; the 
skin  is  yellow,  dotted  over  with  numerous  russet  specks,  col- 
lected together  in  large  groups  in  difierent  parts  of  the  fruit : 
the  flesh  is  white,  half-breaking,  sweet,  and  of  very  agreeable 
perfumed  flavour.  The  seeds  are  brown  and  well  matured, 
but  small  in  proportion  to  the  size  of  the  fruit,  which  becomes 
rip6  at  the  end  of  September.  There  is  also  a Calebasse  Bose 
originated  by  Van  MonSi 

.lALOUSIE.  Pr.  cat.  Roz.  Duh. 

Jealousy.  . 

This  fruit  is  of  turbinate  form,  being  swollen  next  the  eye 
and  diminishing  towards  the  stem  ; its  height  is  two  inches 
and  a half  to  three  inches,  and  its  diameter  thirty-two  to  thir- 
ty-four lines,  with  a stem  fifteen  to  eighteen  lines  in  length, 
which  is  yellowish  and  commonly  somewhat  swollen  at  the  part 
where  it  connects  with  the  fruit.  The  skin  is  fawn  colour, 
but  not  of  a dark  shade,  and  is  scattered  entirely  over  with 
specks  of  a still  lighter  hue  ; the  flesh  is  white,  melting,  sweet, 
perfumed,  and  very  pleasant ; the  seeds  are  brown  and  rather 
oblong,  and  the  fruit  matures  at  the  end  of  September  or  in  the 
course  of  the  month  of  October.  The  tree  can  only  be  in- 
grafted on  the  pear  stock ; upon  the  quince  it  languishes  and 
perishes  in  a few  years. 


RED  BERGAMOT.  Pr,  cat . 


Bergamotte  rouge.  Roz.  Duh. 

This  pear  is  round,  being  near  two  inches  in  height  and 
twenty-four  to  twenty-five  lines  in  diameter,  but  diminishing 
in  some  cases  next  the  stem,  and  becoming  elongated  until  it 
attains  a length  of  twenty-seven  or  twenty-eight  lines,  when 
it  assumes  the  shape  of  a top  : the  peduncle  is  large  and  only 
six  to  nine  lines  in  length,  and  frequently  inserted  within  a 
small  cavity  ; the  skin  is  of  a yellowish  fawn  colour,  a little 
rouffh  to  the  touch,  and  the  part  next  the  sun  acquires  a tint 
of  dull  red ; the  flesh  is  rather  breaking,  and  of  a rich  and 
rather  perfumed  flavour  ; the  seeds  are  pretty  dark  brown,  and 
the  fruit  ripens  at  the  end  of  October  or  in  the  month  of  No- 
vember. 

In  the  New  Duhamel  it  is  remarked,  that  there  appears  to 
have  been  another  variety  confounded  with  this  in  the  first  edi- 
tion of  that  work,  which  is  therein  stated  to  ripen  about  the 
middle  of  September,  and  that  it  is  called  in  some  nurseries 
Crasanne  det~  . I am  not  able  at  present  to  say  whether  the 
present  one  and  the  variety  described  under  the  same  name, 
by  Mr.  Coxe,  are  synony  mous  ; but  as  I have  both  in  my  col- 
lection, 1 sh£dl  soon  be  enabled  to  determine  that  point. 


SUMMER  BERGAMOT.  Pr.  cat.  Evel.  Mil.  Foe. 

Bergamotte  d’et^.  Quin.  Roz.  Duh.  Mil. 

Milan  de  la  Benvriere.  Quin.  Evel.  Roz.  Duh  , both  editions. 
MUan,  and  Milan  hlanc. 

Hamden'.s  Bergamot  Mil  syn. 

Bergamotte  d'Angleter  ^ \ t)  u 

Bergamotte  d*  Hampden^  ? * 

This  pear  is  of  turbinate  form ; its  height  is  two  inches  and 
ten  lines,  and  its  diameter  two  inches  and  a half,  with  a large 
stem  six  lines  in  length,  which  is  placed  at  the  bottom  of  a 
small  cavity;  the  eye  at  the  opposite  extremity  is  also  in  a ca- 


PEARS.  69 

vity,  which  is  surrounded  by  swellings  or  projections.  The 
skin  is  rough  to  the  touch,  of  a lively  green  hue,  scattered 
over  with  fawn  coloured  specks,  and  sometimes  washed  with  a 
russet  tint  next  to  the  sun  ; the  flesh  is  almost  melting,  not  very 
rich,  slightly  acid  and  pretty  pleasant  to  the  taste — it  is  apt  to 
become  stringy  when  the  fruit  is  not  gathered  rather  green. 
The  seeds  are  small  and  often  abortive,  and  the  fruit  is  at  ma- 
turity early  in  September  ; the  trees  may  be  propagated  with 
equal  facility  on  either  the  pear  or  the  quince. 

In  the  New  Duhamel,  the  Bergamotte  d’Angleterre,  or  B. 
de  Hamden  is  described  as  a variety  distinct  from  the  Berga- 
motte d’Ete,  or  Summer  Bergamot;  but  as  there  exist  good 
reasons  to  think  them  synonymous,  I have  united  them  under 
the  same  head.  The  pear  called  Early  Summer  Bergamot, 
in  Mr.  Coxe’s  work,  appears  to  be  quite  a different  fruit  from 
this. 

EARLY  FRENCH  BERGAMOT.  Autii. 

Bergamotte  pricoce,  Duh. 

This  fruit  is  about  two  inches  in  diameter,  and  rather  less  in 
its  height ; it  is  very  much  flattened  at  the  head,  where  the  eye 
is  inserted  within  a deep  cavity  ; the  skin  is  dark  green  speck- 
led with  small  brownish  dots,  and  becomes  yellow  at  maturity; 
the  flesh  is  melting,  of  a sweet  and  agreeably  perfumed  fla- 
vour ; it  has  however  this  objection  to  its  value,  that  it  very 
soon  becomes  soft.  The  tree  is  of  vigorous  growth,  and 
the  fruit  ripens  early  in  August ; it  is  much  cultivated  in  the 
southern  departments  of  France,  but  is  rare  at  Paris  and  its 
vicinity.  I have  given  to  this  pear  the  discriminating  appella- 
tion of  French,  to  distinguish  it  from  another  variety  which  I 
shall  now  proceed  to  notice. 


EARLY  BERGAMOT.  Pom.  mag. 


The  pear  for  which  the  above  title  has  been  adopted  by  the 
conductors  of  the  Bornological  Magazine,  they  state  was  trans- 


70 


TEARS. 


mitted  to  the  London  Horticultural  Society  by  M.  Thouin,  ol’ 
Paris,  under  the  title  of  De  Huchet,  which  it  appears  by  their 
statement  does  not  properly  belong  to  it.  The  following  re- 
marks I copy  from  the  same  work. 

“ It  is  clear  that  this  pear  is  unlike  any  kind  cultivated  in 
this  country,  (England)  ; about  the  period  when  it  ripens  we 
have  none  that  are  half  as  good.  It  is  a most  excellent  variety 
of  its  season,  and  well  worth  growing.  It  ripens  in  the  end 
of  August  and  beginning  of  September,  and  bears  most  abun- 
dantly as  an  open  standard. 

“ Wood  strong,  yellowish  green  on  the  shade  side,  chesnut 
coloured  next  the  sun,  sprinkled  with  whitish  spots;  leaves 
moderately  large,  broadly  ovate,  tapering  to  the  point,  with 
sharp  serratures,  scarcely  downy  on  either  side  ; petioles  about 
an  inch  long,  stipules  long  and  clear ; flowers  very  large,  with 
roundish  petals ; fruit  middle-sized,  roundish,  flattened,  de- 
pressed at  the  eye,  towards  which  end  of  the  fruit  it  is  slightly 
angular  ; stalk  about  an  inch  and  a quarter  long,  moderately 
thick,  inserted  in  a shallow  cavity  ; skin  green,  with  a tinge  of 
yellow  when  fit  for  use,  with  a few  faint  streaks  of  brownish 
red  on  the  sunny  side  ; flesh  yellowish  white,  very  juicy,  a little 
crisp  and  gritty,  but  very  rich  and  sugary. 

FRENCH  A.UTUMN  BERGAMOT.  Pr.  cat. 

Ber^amotU  d^nutomne.  Roz.  Dull. 

Autumn  Bergamot, 

This  pear  is  of  a very  depressed  turbinate  form,  being 
thirty-three  to  thirty-six  lines  in  diameter,  and  twenty-seven  to 
twenty-nine  lines  in  height — in  some  cases  however,  it  ap- 
proaches a pyramidal  shape,  its  diameter  being  then  about  the 
same  as  its  height ; the  stem  is  short,  being  but  six  lines  in 
length,  inserted  in  a slight  cavity  ; the  eye  is  exactly  even  with 
the  extremity  of  the  fruit ; the  skin  is  smooth,  light  green,  ac- 
quiring a little  yellow  at  perfect  maturity,  and  assuming  some- 
times next  the  sun  a slight  tint  of  brownish  red — it  is  besides 


j*±:aks. 


71 


more  or  less  speckled  all  over  with  small  grayish  dots  ; the 
flesh  is  half-breaking,  dissolving  pretty  readily  in  the  mouth, 
and  abounds  with  cool  juice,  which  is  sweet  and  partially  per- 
fumed ; the  fruit  when  well  ripened  has  an  odour  more  regaling 
to  the  smell  than  to  the  taste ; the  seeds  are  brown  and  oblong, 
and  the  fruit  matures  in  October.  This  tree  succeeds  as  well 
when  grafted  on  the  quince  as  on  the  pear  ; some  writers  as- 
sert that  the  fruit  produced  on  the  former  is  superior,  while 
others  contend  that  there  is  no  essential  difference  resulting 
from  this  course. 

De  la  Quintinye  makes  the  remark  that  there  existed  no  dif- 
ference between  the  Autumn  and  Summer  Bergamot  pears  of 
his  day,  except  what  was  comprised  in  the  colour  only,  but 
that  the  difference  in  that  respect  was  a real  one.  He  states 
that  one  of  these  was  usually  called  the  Bergamot,  or  Common 
Bergamot,  and  also  the  Poire  de  la  HiliCre,  or  de  Recous. 

ENGLISH  AUTUMN  BERGAMOT.  Pr.  cat. 

Autumn  Bergamot.  Pom.  mag  For.  Pr.  cat.  25  ed. 

Autumn^  or  English  Bergamot.  Mil.  Switz. 

York  Bergamot. 

Common  Bergamot. 

Ruddy  English  Bergamot.  Evel.  ? 

Heere  pear. 

The  pear  generally  cultivated  in  this  country,  as  well  as  in 
England,  under  the  name  of  Autumn  Bergamot,  differs  from 
the  Bergamotte  d’automne  of  the  French,  although  Miller, 
Forsyth,  and  various  other  writers  put  them  down  as  synony- 
mous. I copy  the  following  remarks  from  the  London  Porno- 
logical  Magazine. 

‘‘  The  Bergamotte  d’automne  has  not  yet  fruited  in  the  gar- 
den of  the  Horticultural  Society  ; there  are  in  it,  however, 
several  trees  from  various  French  authorities  which  perfectly 
agree  with  each  other  in  their  wood  and  foliage,  and  so  far  also 
with  the  description  of  Duhamel,  but  they  are  very  diflerent  in 
these  respects  from  the  sort  here  treated  of — about  whose  real 
oricrin  nothinjr  is  known.  If  we  are  to  believe  Switzer,  it  was 


12 


PEARS. 


brought  over  by  Julius  Caesar  and  formed  part  of  ‘ the  furni- 
ture’ of  the  gardens  of  Alcinous.  According  to  Manger,  it 
is  of  the  highest  antiquity,  and  was  without  doubt  in  former 
times  the  only  one  to  which  they  gave  the  name,  which  is  also 
now  applied  to  other  similar  pears.  This  name,  he  says,  is  not 
derived  from  Bergamo  in  Italy,  as  many  have  believed,  but 
from  the  Turkish  words  beg'  or  bey^  a prince,  and  armoud,  a 
pear.  He  also  shows,  that  this  princely  pear  was  formerly 
written  not  Bergamotte,  but  Begarmoud^  by  referring  to  Gro- 
an’s Niederlandischen  Gartner.  As  its  name  is  Turkish,  he 
infers  that  this  sort  must  have  come  from  Turkey,  and  conse- 
quently originated  in  a warmer  climate.  With  us  (in  Eng- 
land) this  pear  ripens  remarkably  well  on  standards  as  far 
north  as  Yorkshire,  and  is  in  eating  in  October,  decaying  soon 
after ; but  both  the  old  and  young  wood  of  the  Bergamotte 
d’automne  of  the  French,  canker  very  much  in  this  soil  and 
climate. 

“ The  wood  is  yellowish  brown,  not  much  spotted  ; leaves 
middle-sized,  oval,  wavy,  generally  entire  ; stipules  long, 
linear  ; the  leaves  of  the  fi^uit  spurs  ovate,  slightly  cordate,  on 
long  and  slender  petioles  ; flowers  middle-sized ; petals  round- 
ish, ovate,  overlapping  each  other ; fruit  small,  approaching 
the  middle  size,  depressed,  globular,  hollowed  at  the  eye  and 
stalk — the  latter  is  short  and  thick ; eye  open,  in  a regularly- 
formed  shallow  depression  ; skin  a little  rough  with  russet, 
reddish  next  the  sun  fading  into  brownish  green  ; flesh  whitish, 
a little  gritty  next  the  core,  very  juicy,  sugary,  and  rich.” 

I may  here  add,  that  the  trees  of  this  kind  which  I have  in 
my  collection  are  remarkable  for  their  vigour  and  thriftiness 
of  growth,  in  which  points  few  varieties  equal  this,  and  the 
existence  of  which  in  so  remarkable  a degree  in  \\n?>very  aged 
variety^  serves  for  another  proof  against  the  fallacious  doc- 
tx’ine  of  exhaustion. 

The  description  given  by  Mr.  Coxe  of  the  Autumn  Berga- 
mot, seems  rather  to  refer  to  the  French  variety,  as  he  states 
that  the  tree  is  not  very  vigorous,  and  in  fact  his  descriptions  of 
French  pears  generally  follow  those  ffiven  by  Rozier. 


PEARS. 


73 


HOLLAND  BERGAMOT.  Pr.  cat.  For.  Coxe. 

Bermmotle  de  Hollande,  } r?  iu;i 

Bergamotted'Alencon,  \ 

Amoselle.  Duh.  syn.  Mil. 

Lord  Cheney’s, 

This  is  a very  beautiful  fruit.  It  is  remarked  by  the  authors 
of  the  New  Duhamel,  that  all  those  which  they  had  particularly 
noticed  were  of  turbinate  form,  with  an  irregular  surface  raised 
here  and  there  by  slight  projections,  and  that  they  measured 
three  inches  and  three  lines  in  height,  by  three  inches  and  one 
line  at  the  greatest  diameter.  The  eye  was  situated  in  a wide 
depression,  the  edges  of  which  were  rather  even,  or  presented 
some  very  trivial  inequalities.  The  stem  was  large,  two  inches 
long  : the  skin  wholly  a light  green,  interspersed  by  numerous 
grayish  specks,  and  at  maturity  attaining  a pale  yellow  hue  : 
the  flesh,  rather  firm,  half  breaking,  and  abounding  in  pleasant 
juice,  of  considerable  flavour : the  seeds  were  brown,  and 
somewhat  protuberant,  and  the  axis  of  the  fruit  in  the  centre  of 
the  cells  was  hollow.  This  fruit  begins  ripening  in  February, 
and  may  be  kept  till  June.  It  appears  subject  to  vary  in 
its  shape  ; for  in  the  first  edition  of  Duhamel  it  is  described 
and  figured  of  an  almost  globular  form,  rather  less  in  height 
than  in  breadth,  and  measuring  three  inches  in  diameter,  by 
two  inches  nine  lines  in  height.  This  variety  is  excellent, 
when  cooked  or  made  into  composts.  The  tree  is  vigorous, 
and  may  be  ingrafted  on  both  pear  and  quince.  Forsyth  men- 
tions this  as  a synonyme  of  the  Autumn  Bergamot,  cultivated 
in  England,  and  of  the  Bergamotte  d’automne  of  Duhamel, 
which  are  themselves  two  different  fruits : this  circumstance 
throws  doubt  on  the  matter  altogether.  The  Bornological 
Magazine,  on  the  contrary,  does  not  quote  this  as  a synonyme 
of  the  English  Autumn  Bergamot,  and  it  is  therefore  most 
probably  distinct. 


10 


71 


' PEARS. 


SWISS  BERGAMOT.  Pr.  cat.  Mil.  For. 

Bergamotte  Suisse.  Quin.  Roz.  Duh.  Mil.  Pr.  cat.  25  ed. 
Bergamotte  ray^e. 

Suisse,  or  Striked  Bergamot.  Evel. 

This  pear  is  twenty-eight  lines  in  height,  and  twenty-seven  ' 
in  diameter.  Its  form  is  turbinate  next  the  stem,  which  is  from 
six  to  twelve  lines  in  length,  and  inserted  in  a Very  small  cavity, 
and  sometimes  in  the  centre  of  a flat  space.  The  skin  is  smooth, 
striped  with  green  and  yellow,  and  on  the  sunny  side  acquires 
a slight  tint  of  red,  which  is  much  more  apparent  upon  the 
yellow  stripes  than  on  the  green  ones.  The  flesh  is  melting, 
sweet,  and  replete  with  juice,  especially  when  the  fruit  is  not 
ripened  on  the  tree.  The  seeds  are  light  brown,  well  matured, 
and  terminate  by  a long  point,  and  the  fruit  ripens  in  October. 
The  tree  succeeds  equally  well,  grafted  either  on  the  pear  or 
the  quince.  It  is  quite  productive,  but  not  partial  to  a very 
hot  situation. 

GANSEL’S  BERGAMOT.  Pr.  cat.  Pom.  mag.  For. 

1 Brocas  Bergamot,  of  various  publications. 

Ives  Bergamot. 

Bon  rouge. 

The  Brocas  Bergamot  is'now  supposed  to  be  synonymous 
with  this  variety,  which  is  thus  described  in  the  Bornological 
Magazine : 

“ The  wood  is  weak  and  flexuose,  like  that  of  the  Brown 
Beurre,  but  is  covered  with  a kind  of  mealiness,  as  are  also 
the  leaves,  by  which  it  is  particularly  distinguished  from  all 
the  Beurres  and  Chamontelles.  The  leaves  are  shining,  flat, 
and  rather  mealy : the  fruit,  ovate,  very  much  flattened  at  the 
crown,  usually  seven  and  a half  or  eight  inches  round,  of  a 
very  regular  figure,  quite  destitute  of  angles  : skin,  dull  brown 
like  that  of  the  Brown  Beurre,  a little  marked  with  dashes  of 
deeper  russet : flesh,  white,  melting,  very  sweet,  rich,  and  high 


PEARS. 


To 


flavoured  : core,  very  smaJl.  Among  the  native  English  au> 
tumnal  pears,  this  perhaps  holds  the  highest  rank,  whether  we 
consider  its  beauty,  its  excellence,  or  its  prolific  nature.  It 
was  raised  by  a Lieut.  General  Gansel,  from  seed  of  the  Au- 
tumn Bergamot,  about  the  middle  of  the  last  century.  Some- 
times it  attains  a very  large  size,  having  occasionally  been  seen 
almost  a foot  in  circumference.” 

It  does  not  bear  well  in  England  as  a standard,  but  affords 
a tolerably  certain  crop  when  trained  in  an  espalier  form,  and 
on  the  quince  stock.  It  comes  into  eating  here  in  October, 
and  continues  in  perfection  about  a month. 

The  growth  of  the  tree  when  young  is  quite  slow,  and  ex- 
tremely irregular,  insomuch  that  it  is  very  difficult  to  give  it 
an  erect  and  handsome  form.  I should  be  much  more  inclined 
to  suppose  this  a seedling  from  the  Brown  Beurre,  than  from 
the  Autumn  Bergamot. 

CRASANNE.  Pr.  cat.  Roz.  Duh.  Mil.  For.  Coxe. 

Bergamotte  Crasanne.  Roz.  syn.  Duh.  syn.  Mil. 

Crasarmt  Bergamot.  Pr.  cat.  25  ed. 

Cr^sane,  and  Crasane. 

Beurr^  platy  OT  Flat  butter  pear.  Mil. 

A fine  pear  of  this  variety  is  round  and  somewhat  turbinate, 
measuring  three  inches,  or  nearly  that,  in  breadth,  and  thirty- 
four  or  thirty-five  lines  in  height.  The  stem  is  slender  and 
eighteen  to  twenty  lines  in  length,  rather  bent  or  curved,  and 
inserted  within  a small  cavity.  The  eye  is  placed  in  a slight 
depression  with  a very  smooth  circumference.  The  skin  is  a 
grayish  red  before  maturity,  but  when  the  fruit  is  ripe  it  be- 
comes a little  yellow  and  is  scattered  over  with  red  spots.  The 
flesh  is  very  melting,  with  abundance  of  juice,  which  is  cool 
and  sweet,  combined  with  a slight  degree  of  acidity,  and  of 
an  exquisitely  perfumed  flavour.  The  seeds  are  brown,  but 
very  often  wholly  deficient  even  in  the  cells  where  it  might  be 
expected  they  would  be  perfect ; in  such  case  their  place  is 
supplied  by  a pulp  rather  less  melting  than  the  residue  of  the 


76 


PEARS. 


fruit,  and  in  which  some  very  small  stony  particles  are  frequent- 
ly found.  This  pear  is  one  of  the  choicest  varieties  that  is 
cultivated,  and  there  are  few  that  can  bear  a comparison  with 
it ; it  ripens  at  the  end  of  October  or  early  in  November,  and 
keeps  a long  time  before  it  becomes  soft.  Fessenden  re- 
marks, that  around  Boston  this  pear  has  been  found  more  apt 
to  crack  than  any  other  variety  whatever,  and  that  it  will  not 
3uit  the  country  in  that  section  of  the  union  unless  sheltered. 


VARIEGATED  CRASANNE.  Auth.  , 
Crasanne  panachee.  Roz.  Duh. 

This  does  not  differ  from  the  preceding  as  regards  the  fruit, 
but  varies  in  the  leaves,  which  are  small  and  oblong,  edged 
with  white  and  undulated,  with  very  delicate  indentures,  which 
are  slight  and  acutely  formed.  The  tree  is  very  pleasing  to 
the  - view,  but  ought  not  to  be  trained  in  espalier  form,  nor 
planted  in  a too  hot  exposure,  as  the  sun  reddens  and  injures 
the  white  border  of  the  foliage. 


BERGAMOTTE  CADETTE.  Pr.  cat.  Roz.  O.  Duh. 

Bergamot  cadet. 

Poire  de  Cadet.  Roz.  N.  Duh. 

In  form,  this  pear  is  commonly  turbinate,  being  thirty- 
one  lines  in  height  and  thirty-two  in  diameter,  with  a large 
stem  eight  to  ten  lines  in  length,  which  is  inserted  within  a 
slight  cavity  ; the  skin  is  smooth,  yellow  on  the  shade  side  at 
the  period  of  maturity,  and  slightly  tinged  with  red  next  the 
sun  ; the  flesh  is  pleasant,  but  soon  becomes  stringy.  The 
fruit  ripens  in  October.  The  tree  is  vigorous  in  its  growth, 
and  very  abundant  in  its  produce,  and  succeeds  equally  well 
on  either  pear  or  quince. 


PEARS. 


77 


EASTER  BERGAMOT.  Pr.  cat.  Mil. 

Winter  or  Easter  Bergamot.  Pr.  cat.  25  ed. 

Bergamotte  de  Basques':  Roz.  Duh.  Mil.  For. 

Bergamotte  d'hiver.  Roz.  syn.  Duh.  syn. 

Bergamotte  Bugi.  Mil. 

Bugi.  Quin.?  Evel.  ? 

Tarling,  or  Terling,  ^ 

Robert’s  keeping,  > of  some  English  writers. 

Paddington,  ) 

Paddington,  or  Easter  Bergamot.  Coxe. 

This  pear  is  almost  regularly  globular,  in  some  cases  par- 
tially turbinate,  being  thirty-two  to  thirty-six  lines  in  height ; 
the  eye  is  situated  in  a very  small  cavity,  and  most  generally 
even  with  the  extremity  of  the  fruit ; the  stem,  which  is  four 
to  eight  lines  in  length,  is  also  inserted  within  an  extremely 
small  cavity,  whose  edges  are  quite  round  ; the  skin,  which  is 
a light  green,  varying  to  pale  yellow  at  maturity,  is  speckled 
over  its  whole  surface  with  small  gray  dots,  and  acquires  a 
slight  russet  tinge  next  the  sun.  The  flesh  is  half  melting, 
not  very  sweet,  but  abounds  in  rich  juice  possessing  a very 
pleasant  perfume.  The  seeds  are  brown,  large,  round  at  one 
end  and  pointed  at  the  other,  and  in  part  abortive.  This  pear 
is  scarcely  fit  to  be  eaten  before  the  month  of  April,  and  it 
may  be  preserved  until  June,  after  which  it  becomes  meally 
and  much  wrinkled  without  getting  soft ; the  tree  is  vigorous, 
and  may  be  grafted  on  both  the  pear  and  the  quince. 


BERGAMOT  SYLVANGE.  Pr.  cat.  N.  Duh. 

Sylvanche.  Roz.  Bergamot  sylvanclie.  Coxe. 

Sylvange. 


This  pear  has  an  exact  turbinate  form  ; its  height  is  thirty- 
two  lines  and  its  diameter  thirty.  The  eye  is  small,  and  in- 
serted within  a very  slight  depression,  similar  to  that  whence 
the  stem  emanates,  which  does  not  exceed  six  or  eight  lines  in 
length  ; the  skin  is  light  green  even  at  complete  maturity,  in- 


78 


PEARS. 


terspersed  with  grayish  specks,  often  very  near  together  on 
the  end  next  the  eye ; the  flesh  is  exceedingly  melting,  of  a 
sweet,  rather  rich  and  very  pleasant  flavour.  The  seeds  are 
frequently  abortive,  and  the  fruit  ripens  in  October. 


BERGAMOTTE  DE  SOULERS.  Pr.  cat.  Roz.  Duh. 

Bonne  de  Soulers.  Roz.  syn.  Duh.  syn. 

Bergamotte  of  Soulers. 

This  fruit  is  twenty-five  lines  in  height  and  thirty  in  diame- 
ter ; the  head  is  more  round  than  is  the  case  with  other  Ber- 
gamot pears,  and  the  eye  is  but  slightly  depressed ; the  stem 
is  rather  large,  eleven  lines  in  length  and  somewhat  sunk  in 
the  fruit ; the  skin  is  shining,  very  light  green  on  the  shaded 
side,  scattered  over  with  dots  of  a deeper  shade  of  the  same 
colour,  and  changing  to  yellow  at  maturity  ; the  side  next  the 
sun  acquires  a slight  tinge  of  brownish  red ; the  flesh  is  melt- 
ing, sweet,  and  of  agreeable  taste ; the  seeds  are  large,  well 
matured,  and  terminate  in  a long  very  acute  point.  This  fruit 
ripens  in  February  and  March,  and  the  tree  may  be  ingrafted 
on  both  pear  and  quince. 


NAPLES.  Pr.  cat.  Duh.  Mil.  For.  Evel.  ? 

Poire  de  Naples.  Roz.  N.  Duh.  Quin.  ? 

Easter  St.  Germain.  Mil. 

This  pear  has  usually  a turbinate  form,  sometimes  it  is  nearly 
round,  the  peduncle  and  the  eye  being  even  with  the  fruit ; the 
height  of  the  largest  is  thirty  lines,  and  the  diameter  thirty- 
two,  but  frequently  far  less ; the  stem  is  scarcely  ten  lines  in 
length,  and  the  skin  is  almost  wholly  a light  green,  which 
changes  to  pale  yellow  at  maturity,  and  occasionally  the  side 
exposed  to  the  sun  takes  a partial  tint  of  red  ; the  flesh  is  half- 
breaking,  almost  melting,  of  a pleasant  and  somewhat  musky 
flavour  ; the  seeds  are  brown  and  proportionably  large  in 
comparison  with  the  fruit.  In  the  old  edition  of  Duhamel 


PEARS. 


79 


this  pear  is  said  to  ripen  in  February  and  March,  but  in  the 
new  one  it  is  remarked  that  it  begins  to  ripen  in  November. 
The  tree  is  of  vigorous  growth  and  quite  productive,  and  suc- 
ceeds on  both  pear  and  quince  stocks. 

BEZI  DE  LA  MOTTE.  Pr.  cat.  Roz.  Duir. 

Bezy  de  la  Moite,  For.  and  others. 

Besi  de  la  motle.  Quin.  Evel. 

This  pear  has  a turbinate  form,  it  is  enlarged  next  the  eye, 
but  next  to  the  stem  the  size  is  much  diminished  ; its  height  is 
thirty-two  to  thirty-six  lines,  and  its  diameter  nearly  as  much 
at  the  largest  part ; the  stem  is  short,  being  only  six  or  seven 
lines  in  length  and  inserted  within  a cavity,  the  edges  of  which 
are  generally  even  and  regular ; the  skin  is  green,  acquiring 
a little  yellow  when  the  fruit  is  ripe — it  is  scattered  over  with 
very  numerous  russet  specks,  and  in  some  sections  these  specks 
are  very  contiguous  to  each  other,  and  formed  into  large  irre- 
gular groups  ; the  flesh  is  white,  melting,  and  of  a bland  and 
very  agreeable  flavour.  This  fruit  has  a great  affinity  to  the 
Crasanne,  in  form,  colour,  and  flavour  ; it  ripens  at  the  end  of 
September  or  in  the  course  of  October,  and  soon  becomes 
soft.  Duhamel  says  it  does  not  succeed  well  on  dwarf 
stocks. 


ST.  MARTIAL.  Pr.  cat.  For. 

Saint  Martial.  Mil. 

Angelique  de  Bordeaux.  Roz.  Duh. 

Saint  Marcel,  ) of  some  French 

Gros  Franc-real,  or  Franc-real  gros,  \ collections. 
Christalline,  a syn.  Lond.  Hort.  cat.  (?  Auth.  vide  Quin. 

and  Evel.) 

Poire  Angelique,  ^ 

Poire  douce,  > Mil.  syn. 

Angelic  pear,  ) 

Angelique  de  Rome.  Mil.  syn.  erroneously. 

The  form  of  this  pear  approximates  to  that  of  the  Winter 
Bonchretien  ; it  is  three  inches  wanting  a line  in  height,  and 


80 


PEARS. 


as  it  is  flattened  in  the  course  of  its  length,  its  diameter  varies 
considerably — in  one  direction  it  is  two  inches  eight  lines,  and 
in  the  other  two  inches  and  five  lines  only ; the  eye  is  small 
and  situated  at  the  base  of  a narrow  cavity  ; the  stem  is  large, 
eighteen  to  twenty  lines  in  length,  somewhat  fleshy  at  its  in- 
sertion in  the  fruit,  which  is  even  with  the  surface  ; the  skin  is 
smooth,  pale  yellow,  and  almost  whitish  on  the  shade  side, 
reddish  on  the  part  exposed  to  the  sun,  and  sometimes  slightly 
speckled  with  brown  around  the  eye ; the  flesh  is  breaking, 
and  of  a sweet  and  pleasant  flavour ; the  seeds  are  brown, 
moderately  large,  and  terminate  in  a long  acute  point.  This 
is  a winter  fruit  and  keeps  a long  time  ; the  tree  is  somewhat 
delicate  and  does  not  do  well  on  the  quince  stock,  and  is  not 
very  vigorous  on  the  pear. 


ANGELIQUE  DE  ROME.  Pr.  cat.  Roz.  Duh. 

This  pear  is  of  medium  size,  and  has  an  oblong  appearance, 
although  its  greatest  diameter  is  nearly  equal  to  its  height,  the 
one  being  twenty-seven  lines  and  the  other  twenty-eight — the 
part  about  the  head  is  quite  round,  and  the  eye  is  placed  in  a 
small  cavity  ; the  stem  is  seven  to  nine  lines  in  length,  large, 
and  inserted  even  with  the  fruit  or  in  a narrow  groove ; the 
skin  is  rough  to  the  touch,  of  a pale  yellow  or  lemon  colour, 
and  sometimes  very  slightly  tinged  with  yellow  on  the  sunny 
side  ; the  flesh  is  half-melting,  of  a somewhat  yellow  hue,  with 
a sweet  and  rather  rich  flavour.  This  pear  ripens  in  Decem- 
ber, January,  and  February  ; the  tree  is  vigorous  and  may  be 
ingrafted  either  on  the  pear  or  quince. 


MARQUISE.  Pr.  cat.  Quin.  Roz.  Duh.  Mil.  For.  Coxe. 
Marchioness.  Evel.  Mil. 

This  fruit  much  resembles  the  Bezi  de  la  Motte  in  form, 
size,  and  colour ; it  is  thirty-two  to  thirty-three  lines  in  diame- 
ter, and  the  same  in  height — sometimes  it  is  of  pyramida 


PEARS. 


81 


form,  being  three  inches  in  height,  without  any  augmentation 
of  the  diameter.  The  stem  is  sixteen  or  seventeen  lines  in 
length,  and  commonly  placed  even  with  the  surface,  and  the  eye 
is  similarly  situated  or  in  a depression  scarcely  perceptible  ; 
the  flesh  is  melting,  rich,  of  rather  sweet  flavour,  and  imparts 
to  the  mouth  an  agreeable  coolness  ; the  seeds  are  large  and 
swollen,  short  and  terminated  by  an  acute  point,  and  the  fruit 
ripens  in  November  and  December,  and  sometimes  as  early  as 
the  end  of  October. 


GERMAN  MUSCAT.  Pr.  cat.  Evel.  For.  Coxe. 

Muscat  VAlleman.  Duh.  Mil.  For. 

Muscat  V Allemand. 

Muscat  Allemand.  Roz.  Coxe. 

Almain.  Quin.  Evel. 

Muscat  of  Germany.  Mil. 

In  regard  to  form,  size,  and  colour,  this  fruit  bears  great 
resemblance  to  the  Royal  Winter — it  only  differs  in  common 
by  being  more  enlarged  near  the  head  and  sometimes  more 
pyriform ; the  flesh  has  also  nearly  the  same  colour  and  con- 
sistence, but  differs  from  it  in  possessing  a musky  and  richer 
flavour ; the  seeds  are  dark  brown  and  very  oblong,  when 
they  are  not  abortive.  The  fruit  only  begins  ripening  in  Jan- 
uary, and  keeps  in  some  cases  until  May  ; the  tree  is  vigo- 
rous, and  may  be  ingrafted  on  both  the  pear  and  quince. 


ROYAL  WINTER.  Pr.  cat.  Coxe. 

Royale  d'hiver.  Roz.  Duh.  For. 

Winter  royal. 

This  pear  is  most  frequently  of  a turbinate  form,  and  some- 
times nearly  globular,  being  thirty  to  thirty-two  lines  in  dia- 
meter, and  thirty-two  to  thirty-four  in  height — it  is  not  rare 
however  to  find  some  of  a much  larger  size  and  measuring 
three  inches  three  lines  in  height  by  three  inches  in  breadth  ; 
the  eye  is  placed  in  a very  broad  shallow  depression,  and  the 

11 


82 


PEARS. 


Stem,  which  is  about  an  inch  long,  is  inserted  within  a small 
cavity,  whose  edges  are  very  even  and  regular ; the  skin  is 
light  yellow  in  the  shade  and  reddish  on  the  side  exposed  to 
the  sun  ; the  flesh  is  rather  yellowish,  with  a slight  degree  of 
firmness,  almost  melting,  and  pretty  abundant  in  sweet  and 
agreeable  juice.  Frequently  the  most  of  the  seeds  are  abor- 
tive, but  those  which  perfect  themselves  are  very  oblong  and 
dark  brown  ; the  fruit  ripens  in  December,  January,  Febru- 
ary, and  March,  and  succeeds  better  on  pear  stocks  as  stand- 
ards, than  on  the  quince  as  espaliers.  The  tree  is  of  the 
most  vigorous  and  thriving  description,  and  assumes  an  up- 
right and  stately  form. 


MESSIRE  JEAN.  Pr.  cat.  Evel.  Mil.  Coxe. 

\Miite  and  grey  Messire  Jean,  Pr.  cat.  25  ed. 

White  and  gray  Monsieur  John.  Mil.  For. 

Messire  Jean  dore.  Roz.  Duh. 

Messire  Jean  bJanc  gris.  Mil. 

Monsieur  Jean,  and  3Ir.  John. 

Monsieur,  Brown  gold  ? > Eygi  ? 

Brown  orange,  ^ 

Chaulis. 

This  fruit  is  of  turbinate  form,  somewhat  rounded,  being 
thirty-two  to  thirty-six  lines  in  diameter,  and  thirty  to  thirty- 
four  in  height,  with  a stem  ten  to  twelve  lines  in  length,  which 
as  well  as  the  eye,  is  inserted  even  with  the  fruit ; the  skin  is  a 
little  rough  to  the  touch,  of  a dull  yellow,  and  sometimes  a 
grayish  colour ; tlie  flesh  is  firm,  breaking,  perfumed,  and  of 
a rich  and  excellent  taste,  but  subject  to  be  gritty.  The  seeds 
are  light  brown,  and  the  fruit  ripens  in  October  and  Novem- 
ber, and  soon  becomes  soft. 


SAINTONGE.  N.  Duh. 

Chat  hrusU,  of  some  French  gardens. 

This  fruit  in  point  of  colour  very  much  resembles  the  Mes- 
sire-Jean,  but  its  pyramidal  form  readily  distinguishes  it;  it  is 


PEARS. 


83 


almost  wholly  of  a dark  gray  colour,  and  is  twenty-eight  to 
thirty  lines  in  diameter  and  three  inches  in  height;  the  skin  is 
a little  rough  to  the  touch,  which  arises  from  its  being  scat- 
tered over  with  a great  profusion  of  specks,  which  viewed  with 
a magnifying  glass,  appear  like  cracks  in  the  skin  itself — this 
however  is  common  to  many  other  pears;  the  flesh  is  melting, 
sweet,  and  of  a very  pleasant  taste.  The  seeds  are  brown, 
and  the  fruit  ripens  in  October  and  November.  It  is  culti- 
vated in  the  Jardin  des  Plantes  at  Paris  and  in  many  other 
French  gardens  under  the  name  given  above  as  a synonyme, 
as  w^ell  as  under  the  one  at  the  head ; but  another  pear  having 
already  been  called  Chat-brule  by  Duhamel,  the  other  title  has 
been  adopted  in  the  last  edition  of  his  work,  whence  this  des- 
cription is  extracted. 


SAINT  LAURENT.  N.  Dun.  Calv. 


This  pear  is  nearly  of  the  form  and  size  of  the  Early  French 
Bergamot  or  Bergamotte-precoce  already  described ; the  skin 
is  at  first  greenish,  but  becomes  yellow  at  maturity ; the  flesh 
is  slightly  acid,  but  loses  that  flavour  when  cooked ; it  ripens 
early  in  August  and  is  not  considered  very  worthy  o culture. 
It  is  common  in  the  southern  departments  of  France,  but  very 
little  known  in  the  environs  of  Paris. 


VALEE  FRANCHE.  Dun. 

This  fruit  is  pyriform  and  flattened  like  a pelerin  gourd  ; 
the  skin  is  green  and  shining,  but  acquires  a yellow  hue  at  full 
maturity;  the  flesh  is  rather  greenish,  replete  with  juice  of  an 
agreeable  flavour,  but  it  soon  becomes  mealy  and  soft ; the 
fruit  ripens  at  the  end  of  September  or  beginning  of  October. 
The  tree  is  vigorous  when  grafted  on  the  pear  stock,  but  does 
not  succeed  well  on  the  quince. 


84 


PEARS. 


POIRE  DE  PENDANT.  N.  Duh. 

Pendar?  Quin.  | Hanging  pear  7 EveL 

Pendar,  or  Knave^s  pear.  Mil.  ? For.  ? 

It  is  from  the  long  stem  by  which  this  pear  is  suspended, 
which  is  near  two  inches  in  length,  that  it  obtains  its  title.  The 
/ntire  height  of  the  fruit  is  twenty-eight  lines,  and  its  breadth 
i inches,  and  sometimes  a line  more.  The  form  is  turbi- 
nate, the  skin  is  ash-coloured,  approaching  russet,  and  dotted 
over  with  small  points  precisely  of  the  latter  colour  ; the  flesh 
is  greenish  white,  melting,  sweet,  and  partially  perfumed  ; the 
seeds  are  a blackish  brown,  and  the  fruit  ripens  at  the  end  oi 
September. 

It  is  very  dubious  whether  the  synonymes  quoted  from  Mil- 
ler and  Forsyth  apply  to  this  fruit.  The  former  quotes 
Tourn.  and  no  other  author,  and  the  latter  copies  the  descrip- 
tion from  the  former.  I think  it  also  doubtful  whether  Quin- 
tinye  and  Evelyn  referred  to  this  pear — they  mention  the  time 
of  ripening  to  be  in  October. 


DONVILLE.  Roz.  Duh. 

This  pear  is  of  an  oblong  form,  being  thirty  lines  in  height 
and  twenty-two  in  breadth — it  diminishes  tow  ards  the  eye, 
which  is  situated  in  a small  cavity,  and  it  becomes  still  more 
contracted  towards  the  stem,  which  is  about  eight  lines  long 
and  inserted  in  a very  small  compressed  cavity,  surrounded  by 
some  furrows;  tlie  skin  is  smooth,  shining,  of  a lemon  colour, 
scattered  over  with  faw  n-coloured  spots  on  the  shaded  side,  and 
and  of  a rather  lively  red  next  the  sun,  with  some  small  light 
gray  specks ; the  flesh  is  breaking,  white  slightly  inclining  to 
yellowish,  of  a somewhat  acid  flavour,  not  disagreeable  how- 
ever at  the  full  maturity  of  the  fruit,  which  takes  place  in  the 
month  of  April.  The  seeds  are  oblong,  perfect,  and  of  a 
light  brown  hue. 


PEARS. 


85 


PROVENCE.  N.  Dun. 

Donville,  of  some  collections.  | Bequesne  7 

This  pear  is  of  a pyramidal  form,  very  regularly  elongated  ; 
it  is  three  inches  six  or  eight  lines  in  height,  and  twenty-seven 
to  twenty-eight  lines  in  diameter  ; the  eye  is  inserted  even  with 
the  extremity  of  the  fruit,  and  the  stem,  without  being  exactly 
in  a cavity,  is  usually  surrounded  by  several  furrows  ; the  skin 
is  a lemon  colour,  scattered  over  with  numerous  fawn  specks, 
which  on  the  sunny  side  acquire  a russet  tint ; the  flesh  is  ra- 
ther firm,  breaking,  of  a pleasant  flavour,  combined  with  an 
agreeable  perfume ; the  seeds  are  brown  and  well  perfected, 
and  the  fruit  commences  ripening  at  the  end  of  October. 
When  used  for  cooking,  this  pear  acquires  a sweet  taste  and 
delicious  flavour.  It  is  cultivated  at  the  Jardin  des  Plantes  at 
Paris,  under  the  titles  given  above  ; but  as  two  varieties  of 
pears  have  been  called  by  the  name  of  Donville,  the  title  which 
heads  this  article  has  been  adopted  for  this  one  in  the  New 
Duhamel.  I notice  that  the  Bequesne  pear  is  ranged  in  the 
London  Horticultural  Society’s  catalogue,  and  in  some  others, 
as  a synonyme  of  this  variety,  but  I follow  the  New  Duhamel 
in  keeping  them  distinct. 


SAINT  FRANCOIS.  N.  Duii. 

This  pear  has  a great  resemblance  to  the  Saint  Germain, 
but  di fliers  from  it  considerably  in  quality  ; it  is  four  inches 
wanting  one  or  two  lines  in  height,  and  twenty-four  lines  broad 
in  its  greatest  diameter  ; the  skin  is  light  green  partially  ap- 
proaching yellow,  especially  at  maturity,  and  is  covered  with 
very  numerous  russet  specks,  and  in  some  cases  acquires  a 
faint  tint  of  red  on  the  sunny  side  ; the  flesh  is  firm,  with  not 
much  flavour,  and  rather  insipid  ; but  when  cooked  it  attains 
a sweet  and  agreeable  taste,  and  remains  white.  This  fruit 
ripens  in  November  and  December. 


86 


PKARS. 


LOUISON.  N.  Duh. 

This  pear  is  three  inches  and  a half  to  four  inches  in  height, 
and  two  inches  and  a half  in  diameter  ; its  form  is  oblong  and 
almost  conical,  terminated  in  a rather  obtuse  point ; the  stem 
is  six  lines  long,  and  inserted  within  a shallow  cavity  ; the  eye 
is  small  and  but  slightly  depressed  ; the  skin,  which  is  delicate 
and  smooth,  is  sometimes  washed  on  the  sunny  side,  and  in 
other  cases  pretty  deeply  tinged  with  red,  speckled  with  brown- 
ish red  dots — the  other  side  is  of  a beautiful  yellow  colour, 
scattered  over  with  specks  of  russet  ; the  flesh  is  very  white, 
melting,  full  of  very  pleasant  juice,  which  is  slightly  perfumed, 
but  not  of  a high  flavour  ; the  fruit  ripens  at  the  end  of  Sep- 
tember or  beginning  of  October,  and  its  colour,  the  period  of 
its  maturity,  and  the  defect  of  soon  becoming  soft,  are  almost 
the  only  points  which  distinguish  it  from  the  Louise-bonne. 
The  trees  of  this  kind  yield  abundantly.  The  description  of 
this  variety  was  transmitted  by  M.  Le  Serryais  to  M.  Michel, 
one  of  the  editors  of  the  New  Duhamel. 


OCTOBER  CRIMSON.  Pr.  cat. 

Cramoisi,  Duh. 

This  pear,  which  has  been  lately  introduced,  is  large  and  of 
a globular  form,  but  often  becomes  more  or  less  pyramidal. 
The  skin,  which  is  at  first  greenish,  becomes  yellow  at  the  pe- 
riod of  maturity,  and  the  side  next  the  sun  attains  a beautiful 
crimson  hue  ; the  flesh  is  breaking,  of  a fragrant  odour,  but 
without  combining  a great  deal  of  flavour.  Its  period  of 
ripening  is  October  ; it  is  one  of  those  cultivated  at  the  Jardin 
des  Plants  at  Paris,  and  has  recently  been  added  to  the  col- 
lection of  the  author. 


PEARS. 


87 


VIRGOULEUSE.  Pr.  cat.  Quin.  Evel.  Roz.  Duh.  Mil. 

For.  Coxe. 

Le  VirgouU,  or  Virgoulee,  "A 
Virgolese,  r 

Bujaleuf,  V Quin.  Evel.  and  other  writers. 

Cliamhrette,  V 

Poire  de  glace,  of  Gascony,  ^ 

La  Virguleuse.  Mil.  syn. 

Ice  pear.  Evel.  Mil. 

Winter  Virgalieu,  erroneously. 

The  height  of  this  pear  is  thirty-three  to  thirty-six  lines, 
and  its  breadth  twenty-six  to  thirty  lines  at  the  largest  part, 
which  is  nearly  midway  of  the  fruit,  and  as  the  section  next 
the  stem  is  but  slightly  contracted  and  almost  as  broad  as  that 
near  the  base,  it  thence  results  that  the  general  form  of  the 
fruit  is  more  oval  than  pyramidal.  The  stem  is  short,  being 
usually  but  nine  or  ten  lines  in  length,  and  is  inserted  even 
with  the  fruit,  or  in  a very  small  cavity  ; the  skin  is  at  first 
green,  but  at  maturity  becomes  of  a lemon  colour ; the  sid& 
next  the  sun  acquires  a slight  reddish  tint  and  the  whole  sur- 
face is  dotted  over  with  small  reddish  specks ; the  seeds  are 
oblong  and  brown,  and  the  fruit  ripens  in  December  and  Ja- 
nuary. Duhamel  himself  places  this  among  the  number  of 
the  best  pears  ; the  tree  is  vigorous,  but  irregular  in  its  growth, 
and  difficult  to  train  Into  an  erect  or  handsome  form  when 
young.  Its  bark  is  rough  and  the  tree  is  slow  to  produce 
fruit ; but  when  it  commences  bearing,  it  affords  crops  pretty 
regularly.  It  may  be  grafted  on  either  the  quince  or  pear, 
but  it  is  not  recommended  to  train  the  trees  in  espalier  form, 
nor  to  plant  standard  trees  in  a southern  exposition,  because 
the  fruit  is  then  apt  to  crack  and  become  injured. 

This  pear  takes  its  title  from  the  village  of  VIrgoule,  near 
St.  Leonard,  in  Limousin,  where  it  was  first  raised  and  sent 
to  Paris  by  the  Marquis  of  Chambrette,  and  from  the  latter 
circumstance  has  been  called  after  him.  Fessenden  states  that 
this,  which  h«  considers  one  of  the  finest  French  pears,  is  in 


88 


PEARS. 


the  section  of  country  around  Boston  very  apt  to  crack  in  me 
same  manner  as  the  Crasanne,  and  warns  cultivators  in  the 
"ountry  against  planting  it  unless  they  have  terraces  or  walls. 


ROUGEAUDE.  N.  Dun. 

Although  this  variety  is  described  in  the  New  Duhamel,  it 
is  there  stated  that  it  would  not  have  been  noticed  by  the  edi- 
tors, if  the  figure  had  not  been  executed  before  they  were  fully 
acquainted  with  the  quality  of  the  fruit.  With  this  remark  I 
should  pass  it  over  here,  were  it  not  that  I wish  to  fulfil  the 
pledge  made  in  the  prospectus,  that  this  work  should  contain 
all  the  descriptions  of  pears  comprised  in  that  publication. 

The  form  of  this  pear  is  a pretty  regular  pyramid  ; it  is 
thirty-two  to  thirty-six  lines  in  height,  and  twenty-seven  to 
thirty  lines  in  its  greatest  diameter ; the  stem,  which  is  ten 
lines  to  an  inch  in  length,  is  inserted  even  with  the  extremity 
of  the  fruit,  and  the  eye  is  situated  in  a small  cavity  with  per- 
fectly regular  edges  ; the  shade  side  of  the  skin  is  yellowish, 
that  next  the  sun,  and  indeed  three-fourths  of  the  fruit  is  of  a 
darker  or  lighter  shade  of  red ; the  flesh  is  firm  and  dry,  with 
some  sweetness,  but  rather  insipid,  and  possesses  but  little  fla- 
vour ; the  seeds  are  brown  and  oblong,  and  the  fruit  ripens  in 
January.  It  was  presented  to  the  editors  by  M.  Noisette  un- 
der the  title  of  Beurr^  d'hyver,  but  proved  to  be  entirely  erro- 
neous, as  it  possesses  none  of  the  qualities  of  that  variety,  or 
of  others  of  its  class. 

SUMMER  VERMILION.  Auth. 

Vermilion  d’Et^.  N.  Duh. 

This  pear  is  round  or  partially  pyriform ; the  skin  on  the 
shade  side  is  greenish  yellow,  and  next  to  the  sun  acquires  a 
tint  of  vermilion ; the  flesh  is  half-melting,  somewhat  per- 
fumed, but  soon  becomes  mealy  and  soft.  Its  period  of  ripen- 


PEARS. 


89 


iiig  is  the  end  of  August,  and  the  tree  succeeds  equally  when 
grafted  on  either  the  pear  or  quince. 


LARGE  OBLONG.  Auth. 

Grosse  alongce.  N.  Duh. 

This  fruit  is  larger  than  the  Mouthwater,  or  Verte  longue, 
and  approaches  near  to  that  of  the  common  St.  Germain  ; the 
skin  is  greenish,  dotted  over  with  russet  specks,  but  it  becomes 
yellow  at  the  period  of  maturity,  which  is  in  the  month  of 
October.  This  variety  is  cultivated  in  the  Jardin  des  Plantes 
at  Paris. 


CHAT  BRUSLE.  Pk.  cat.  Roz.  Duh. 

Chat  hrule.  Quin.?  Mil.  For. 

Pucelle  de  Saintonge  ? 

Chat  grille  ? 

Burnt  cat.  Mil. 

CaUhurnt  ? Evel. 

Pucelle  ^ Xaintonge,  > erroneously. 

Virgin  oj  Xaintonge,  ^ 

This  fruit,  which  I have  in  my  collection,  is  thirty-one 
lines  in  height,  and  its  breadth  twenty-two,  its  shape  being 
pyriform,  somewhat  elongated  ; the  skin  is  smooth  and  shining, 
of  a fine  bright  red  next  the  sun,  and  a lemon  colour  in  the 
shade  ; the  flesh  is  delicate  and  not  gritty,  and  when  subjected 
to  cooking  acquires  a very  beautiful  red  colour ; the  seeds  are 
black  and  well  matured,  and  the  fruit  is  suitable  for  making 
excellent  preserves  or  compotes.  It  is  at  maturity  in  February 
and  March. 


MAUNI.  N.  Duh. 

This  pear  is  moderately  large,  oblong,  and  rounded  ; the 
flesh  is  rather  firm,  of  agreeable  flavour,  and  the  fruit  ripens 

12 


90 


PEARS. 


at  the  end  of  September.  The  tree  can  be  ingrafted  on  ei- 
ther the  pear  or  quince,  and  is  one  of  the  varieties  cultivated 
at  the  Jardin  des  Plantes  at  Paris. 

ROUSSELINE.  Pr.  cat.  Roz.  Duh.  Mil.  For. 

Poire  Rousseline.  Duh.  Mil. 

Russelin.  Quin.  ? Evel.  ? 

Muscat  a longue  queue  de  la  Jin  d’automne,  ^ 

Long  stalked  muscat  of  the  end  of  autumn,  ^ ' 

BnUte  honne,  of  some  English  gardens,  erroneously. 

The  shape  of  this  pear  is  pretty  nearly  pyriform,  being 
thirty  lines  in  height  and  twenty-two  in  its  greatest  diameter, 
and  it  is  supported  by  a peduncle  which  is  often  near  two 
inches  in  length  ; some  portion  of  the  skin  is  yellow,  but  that 
colour  is  but  partially  apparent,  as  three-fourths  and  often 
nearly  the  whole  surface  is  covered  with  large  spots  of  russet, 
which  by  being  nearly  connected  with  each  other,  give  the  whole 
fruit  the  appearance  of  being  of  that  colour  ; the  flesh  is  melt- 
ing, of  a sweet  and  very  musky  flavour,  which  has  a very 
great  affinity  to  that  of  the  Rousselet ; the  seeds  are  brown 
and  generally  pretty  perfect,  and  the  fruit  ripens  in  the  month 
of  November. 

CARDINALE.  N.  Duh.  Poit.  et  Turp. 

This  is  a very  beautiful  fruit  on  account  of  its  regular  form 
and  brilliant  colouring  ; it  is  three  inches  and  a half  in  height, 
and  a little  less  than  three  inches  in  diameter  ; the  skin  at  ma- 
turity is  yellow  where  it  is  shaded  and  washed  with  bright  red 
next  the  sun,  besides  being  marked  over  the  whole  surface  with 
a great  number  of  small  round  dots,  w’hich  become  brown 
upon  the  yellow  part,  and  gray  upon  the  red  ; the  flesh  is  half- 
breaking, considerably  melting,  sw'eet,  and  agreeable  ; the 
most  of  the  seeds  are  abortive,  those  whicli  are  perfect  are 
short,  well  matured,  and  brown,  particularly  at  the  apex.  This 
fruit  keeps  until  March,  and  is  as  yet  but  seldom  to  be  met 
with,  even  in  France 


PEARS. 


91 


POIRE  PASSANS.  Dun. 

Poire  du  Portugal.  Duh.  syn. 

Summer  Portugal  ? 

This  fruit  is  pyriform  and  somewhat  turbinate ; the  base  is 
round,  and  the  eye  is  inserted  in  a deep  cavity ; the  skin  is 
green  previous  to  maturity,  but  becomes  yellow  when  that  pe- 
riod arrives  ; the  flesh  is  half-melting  and  of  agreeable  flavour, 
and  the  fruit  ripens  in  the  month  of  October.  This  variety 
is  cultivated  at  the  Jardin  des  Plantes  at  Paris. 


BEURRE  D’ARDEMPONT.  Pr.  cat.  N.  Duh. 

Beurre  d’Hardenpont.  Lond.  Hort.  Soc.  cat. 

Hardempont,  and  Hardenpont. 

In  the  last  edition  of  Duhamel,  this  fruit  is  thus  described  : 

“ This  pear  bears  the  name  of  M.  d’Ardempont,  canon  of 
Tournay,  w^ho  obtained  it  from  seed  and  brought  it  into 
notice.  It  is  one  of  the  most  beautiful  fruits,  and  one  of  the 
best  of  its  class.  The  proprietors  of  nurseries  cannot  be 
too  anxious  and  prompt  in  obtaining  and  multiplying  it.  The 
fruit  is  of  very  irregular  shape,  it  would  approach  considera- 
bly to  an  ovate  form  if  the  end  next  the  stem  were  not  more 
contracted  than  that  next  the  eye,  and  if  one  of  its  sides  was 
not  enlarged  and  distended,  whilst  the  other  is  compressed  and 
diminished  in  size  ; the  form  of  the  Martin-sire  approaches 
this,  but  does  not  resemble  it  precisely.  The  skin  is  smooth 
and  almost  wholly  of  a light  green  hue,  which  changes  to  yel- 
low at  tlie  period  of  maturity ; the  surface  of  the  fruit  is  not 
uniform  on  account  of  its  being  here  and  there  enlarged  by 
swellings  or  projections,  and  on  the  side  which  is  compressed 
there  is  also  a furrow  running  the  whole  length  from  the  eye 
to  the  stem,  which  is  about  two  inches  long  and  inserted  rather 
laterally,  in  a small  cavity  surrounded  by  ridges  or  protube- 
rances. The  pear  from  which  this  description  was  made 
measured  four  inches  in  height,  and  three  in  breadth  at  its 


92 


PEARS. 


greatest  diameter  ; the  flesh  melting,  abounding  exceedingly 
in  sweet  perfumed  juice,  with  a trifling  degree  of  acidity  and 
of  the  most  exquisite  taste.  Of  ten  seeds  contained  in  it,  four 
were  abortive,  the  others  were  large  and  perfect  and  of  a light 
brown  hue.  The  fruit  ripens  in  December,  and  from  appear- 
ance soon  becomes  soft.  It  was  transmitted  to  M.  Michel,  one 
of  the  editors  of  the  work,  by  M.  Vanakere  of  Lille.” 


WINTER  BONCHRETIEN.  Pr.  cat.  Evel.  Mil.  For.  Coxf: 

Bon  Chritien  d^hiver.  Quin.  Roz.  Mil. 

Good  Christian  of  winter. 

Winter  good  Christian. 

Poire  d^Angoise. 

The  pears  of  this  variety  are  usually  four  inches  in  height 
and  three  in  breadth  ; but  there  are  frequently  however  some 
whose  dimensions  much  exceed  this.  Duhamel  himself  states 
having  met  with  them  measuring  six  inches  long  and  four  in 
diameter.  The  usual  form  is  that  of  a truncate  pyramid — 
they  likewise  often  resemble  a young  calebash ; the  head  is 
very  large  and  the  eye  is  placed  in  a depression  more  or  less 
hollowed,  surrounded  by  protuberances  which  extend  over  a 
part  of  the  surface  of  the  fruit  in  such  a manner  as  to  form 
angular  ridges — the  end  next  to  the  stem  diminishes  greatly  in 
size,  but  without  terminating  in  a point ; on  the  contrary,  it  is 
nearly  always  obliquely  truncate  or  obtuse,  and  the  stem,  which 
is  in  general  very  long,  being  always  two  and  a half  inches  or 
more  in  length,  is  also  inserted  obliquely,  with  protuberances 
and  ridges  around  its  insertion.  The  skin  is  light  green, 
which  varies  to  yellow  at  full  maturity,  and  in  good  expositions 
the  side  next  the  sun  acquires  a faint  tint  of  red ; the  flesh  is 
breaking,  rather  delicate,  very  dry  when  it  is  not  perfectly  ripe 
and  mature,  but  when  it  has  fully  attained  that  point,  it  becomes 
pretty  abundant  in  sweet  juice,  which  even  has  a small  degree 
of  odour.  The  seeds  rarely  attain  to  a perfect  state,  and  in 
general  are  half  abortive,  and  in  some  cases  entirely  so.  This 
fruit  begins  to  ripen  in  February  and  keeps  until  May,  not  be- 


PEARS. 


93 


ing  subject  to  become  soft.  The  tree  when  ingrafted  upon 
the  quince  produces  fruit  that  is  larger,  higher  coloured,  and 
more  delicate  than  the  trees  propagated  on  the  pear.  This 
variety  is  said  to  be  rather  slow  in  producing  fruit,  but  when 
the  tree  is  of  sufficient  size  to  commence  bearing  it  yields  good 
crops. 

SPANISH  BONCHRETIEN.  Pr.  cat.  Mil.  For.  Coxe. 

Bon  Chretien  d’Espagne.  Roz.  Duh.  Mil. 

Good  Christian  of  Spain. 

Autumn  Bonchretien. 

Mansuette,  or  Amande  Suede,  of  Flanders. 

This  pear  is  very  different  in  its  form  from  the  other  varie- 
ties of  the  Bonchretien  family,  which  is  that  of  a pretty  regu- 
lar pyramid  somewhat  inclined  ; it  is  at  the  largest  part  thirty- 
one  to  thirty-two  lines  in  diameter,  and  four  inches  less  three 
lines  in  height — some  are  even  met  with  that  are  three  inches 
in  diameter,  and  four  in  height ; the  section  of  the  fruit  near 
the  stem  is  very  much  contracted,  and  in  such  a manner  as  to 
make  that  part  appear  almost  acute  ; the  peduncle  is  inserted 
in  a very  small  cavity,  surrounded  by  three  slight  projections. 
The  depression  where  the  eye  is  situated  is  but  a slight  one  ; 
the  skin  is  smooth,  almost  entirely  even  and  destitute  of  swel- 
lings, and  on  the  shade  side  is  of  a light  green  hue,  which 
varies  to  a pale  yellow  at  maturity,  but  next  to  the  sun  be- 
comes a brilliant  red,  besides  which  the  whole  surface  is  scat- 
tered over  with  small  russet  points  ; the  flesh  is  firm,  breaking, 
abounding  in  sweet  juice  which  has  an  agreeable  fragrance  ; 
the  seeds  are  brown  and  distended,  and  the  fruit  ripens  in  No- 
vember and  December.  The  foregoing  description  is  from 
the  new  edition  of  Duhamel.  In  the  first  edition  the  descrip- 
tion given  of  this  pear  differs  somewhat  from  the  one  here 
stated,  as  some  protuberances  or  swellings  of  the  fruit  are  there 
mentioned  which  the  writers  in  the  present  case  have  not  ob- 
served on  the  specimens  they  have  seen.  The  tree  may  be  in- 
grafted either  on  the  pear  or  the  quince. 


94 


PEARS, 


BONCHRETIEN  D’AUCH.  Pr.  cat.  N.  Duh. 

D^Auch,  but  not  the  Pear  d’Auch  of  Forsyth,  which  is  the  Colmar. 
Bon  Chr^ien  panache. 

This  is  one  of  the  most  beautiful  fruits  of  its  class ; it  some- 
times attains  to  five  inches  and  more  in  height,  and  four  inches 
three  lines  in  breadth  ; it  is  of  an  irregular  pyramidal  form, 
greatly  resembling  a calabash,  and  especially  the  kind  usu- 
ally called  a gourd ; its  surface  is  neither  even  nor  regu- 
larly rounded,  but  on  the  contrary,  is  covered  with  projections 
slightly  raised  and  of  considerable  breadth,  which  form  them- 
selves into  ridges  of  different  shape  and  extent.  The  eye  is 
placed  in  a very  deep  cavity,  whose  edges  present  numerous 
protuberances,  extending  more  or  less  over  the  rest  of  the 
fruit ; the  skin  is  light  green,  approximating  to  pale  yellow  at 
maturity,  and  wholly  scattered  over  with  small  dots  of  deep 
green,  some  among  which  are  of  a russet  hue  ; the  flesh  is 
firm,  granulated,  breaking,  and  rather  melting  notwithstand- 
ing, full  of  sw^eet  juice  which  is  agreeably  perfumed.  The 
seeds  are  frequently  abortive,  and  the  fruit  ripens  in  November 
and  December. 


CHAUMONTEL.  Pr.  cat.  N.  Dun.  For. 

Bezy  de  Chaumontelle.  Pr.  cat.  25  ed. 

Bezy  de  Chaumontel.  Roz.  Coxe. 

Bezi  de  Chaumontel.  O.  Duh. 

Besi  Chaumontelle.  Mil. 

Poire  de  Chaumontelle.  N.  Duh.  Mil. 

Beurr^  d^hyver.  Roz.  Duh.  Mil. 

Winter  Beurre. 

Winter  butter  pear. 

The  form  and  the  size  of  this  pear  are  very  subject  to  vary ; 
in  ordinary  cases  it  w'ould  rather  incline  to  an  ovate  form  if  the 
part  next  to  the  stem  was  not  narrower  than  that  next  the  eye ; 
it  is  not  uncommon  to  find  the  surface  slightly  angular  on  one 
side  or  the  other.  It  usually  measures  from  tw^enty-seven  lines 


TEARS. 


95 


in  breadth  and  three  inches  in  height,  to  three  inches  four  lines 
in  diameter  and  three  inches  seven  lines  in  height — this  latter 
measurement  is  that  which  Duhamel  gives  of  some  pears  of 
this  kind,  which  were  sent  to  him  from  Chaumontel  itself ; but 
it  appears  that  this  fruit  can  far  surpass  these  dimensions,  for 
M.  Vanakere  of  Lille,  sent  to  M.  Michel  a Chaumontel  pear, 
which  was  a foot  in  circumference,  five  inches  in  height,  and 
four  inches  wanting  two  lines  in  diameter,  and  which  weighed 
one  pound  four  and  a half  ounces.  In  regard  to  the  other 
points,  the  peduncle,  which  is  almost  invariably  less  than  an 
inch  in  length,  is  often  inserted  somewhat  laterally,  sometimes 
even  with  the  fruit,  and  at  others  in  a shallow  depression  sur- 
rounded by  small  projections  ; the  eye  is  situated  in  a cavity 
varying  in  size,  surrounded  with  swellings,  but  sometimes  en- 
tirely even  and  regular  ; the  skin  is  usually  yellowish,  speck- 
led with  gray  and  marked  on  the  sunny  side  with  paler  or 
brighter  red— -sometimes  when  the  gray  predominates  over  the 
surface  there  is  no  red  visible,  but  that  colour  on  the  other 
hand  is  more  wide-spread  and  of  a brighter  hue,  when  the 
shade  side  of  the  fruit  is  of  a lemon  colour ; the  flesh  is  very 
melting  and  abounds  with  juice,  which  is  sweet,  musky,  and 
very  agreeable  ; the  seeds  are  light  brown,  and  the  fruit  ripens 
in  December  and  keeps  until  February.  It  takes  its  name 
from  the  locality  where  it  originated  about  one  hundred  and 
sixty  years  since.  It  is  very  extensively  cultivated  and  de- 
serves to  be  so  ; it  may  be  ingrafted  on  either  the  quince  or 
pear. 


ST.  GERMAIN.  Pr.  cat.  Evel.  Mil.  For.  Coxe. 


Saint  Germain^ 

Inconnue  la  Fare, 

Saint  Germain  blanc. 
Unknown  La  Fare,  Evcl. 


Roz. 


Mil. 


Duh. 


Mil. 


Tliis  pear  is  three  inches  and  six  to  nine  lines  in  height,  and 
twenty-eight  to  thirty  lines  in  its  greatest  diameter,  which  is  at 
about  a third  of  its  height ; the  stem,  which  sehlom  exceeds 


96 


PEAUS. 


eight  or  nine  lines  in  length,  is  often  inserted  obliquely  under 
a kind  of  protuberance ; the  skin,  which  is  at  first  greenish, 
acquires  a faint  yellow  tint  at  maturity,  and  i^  profusely  marked 
with  russet  spots  and  specks,  which  render  it  rather  rough  to 
the  touch— -it  also  sometimes  attains,  though  rarely,  a slight 
tinge  of  red  on  the  sunny  side ; the  flesh  is  extremely  melting, 
with  abundance  of  juice  whose  taste  has  a little  acidity  and  is 
sweet,  rich,  musky,  and  very  agreeable.  It  is  to  be  regretted 
that  this  fine  fruit  is  subject  to  often  have  small  gritty  or  hard 
substances  just  under  the  skin  and  near  the  seeds,  wherever 
the  soil  is  dry  and  unfavourable.  The  seeds  are  brown  and 
well  matured,  and  the  fruit  ripens  in  November  and  December, 
and  may  be  kept  till  three  or  four  months  after,  as  it  is  not  subject 
to  decay.  It  is  one  of  the  best  winter  pears  that  can  be  cul- 
tivated, and  the  trees  when  in  a good  rich  soil  and  suitable 
situation,  flourish  and  bear  well.  I have,  however,  observed 
that  where  the  ground  is  not  kept  cultivated  and  where  the 
trees  have  become  old,  the  fruit  is  often  small  and  knotty.  I 
would  recommend  that  the  ground  be  kept  rich  and  mellow, 
and  that  the  old  trees  be  treated  in  the  same  manner  as  recom- 
mended for  the  Summer  Bonchretien. 

Much  also  may  depend  on  the  exposition ; for  many  varie- 
ties of  pears  are  found  to  attain  to  great  perfection  in  parti- 
cular locations,  when  in  others  they  are  inferior  or  worthless. 
Be  this  as  it  may,  the  difficulties,  imaginary  or  real  in  regard 
to  this  variety,  have  caused  it  to  be  far  less  extensively  culti- 
vated in  late  years  than  formerly,  and  in  some  places,  and  par- 
ticularly in  the  vicinity  of  Boston,  it  has  been  almost  aban- 
doned. On  this  point  F essenden  makes  the  following  remarks. 
“ Formerly  this  most  noble  variety  of  the  pear  family  succeeded 
as  well  in  the  country  around  Boston  as  in  the  town,  but  it 
has  failed  during  nearly  fifteen  years.  It  has  seemed  latterly 
to  be  recovering,  and  it  is  advised  to  continue  its  culture  for  a 
few  years  longer.” 

This  celebrated  fruit  derived  the  title  of  Inconnue  La  Fare, 
from  its  being  first  discovered  upon  the  banks  of  a river, 
called  La  Fare,  in  the  parish  of  Saint  Germain,  in  France  ; 


PEARS. 


97 


and  it  will  be  perceived  that  it  also  obtained  its  most  popular 
title  from  the  circumstance  of  original  locality. 

This  variety  can  be  ingrafted  on  either  the  pear  or  the 
quince. 


LOUISE  BONNE.  Pk.  cat.  Q,uin.  Roz.  Duh.  Mil.  For. 

Bonne  Louise.  Avanchie. 

Good  Louise.  Evel.  Good  Louis. 

This  greatly  resembles  the  St.  Germain  in  form,  and  is  also 
nearly  of  the  same  size,  but  it  is  far  from  possessing  as  perfect 
and  excellent  a flavour.  It  differs  from  it  besides  in  its  skin, 
which  is  of  a very  light  green  colour,  and  becomes  whitish  at 
perfect  maturity  ; the  dots  with  which  it  is  covered  over  are 
not  dark,  and  they  are  so  very  small  that  they  do  not  prevent 
it  from  being  smooth  ; the  flesh  is  half-melting,  sometimes  in- 
sipid, at  others  possessing  a partial  musky  odour,  but  when 
the  tree  is  planted  in  a cold  and  humid  situation,  the  fruit  often 
has  a mouldy  taste ; the  seeds  are  brown,  well  matured,  and 
pointed,  and  the  period  at  which  this  pear  ripens  is  in  Novem- 
ber and  December.  I received  a pear  under  this  title  some 
years  since  from  England,  which  was  much  more  of  a turbi- 
nate form,  but  deeming  it  erroneous,  I have  discontinued  its 
culture. 


POIRE  A GOBERT.  Roz.  Duii. 

This  fruit  is  thirty-three  lines  in  height  and  thirty  in  diame- 
ter, and  its  form  is  like  that  of  a top ; the  eye  is  placed  in  a 
slight  depression,  and  the  stem,  which  is  pretty  large  and  of 
moderate  length,  is  inserted  even  with  the  extremity  of  the 
fruit ; the  skin  is  red  next  to  the  sun,  and  green  on  the  shaded 
side  which  becomes  yellow  in  ripening  ; the  flesh  is  very  white, 
half-breaking,  and  musky ; the  seeds  arc  usually  abortive  and 
the  cells  very  small.  This  fruit  will  keep  until  the  month  of 
June. 


13 


98 


PEARS. 


KITCHEN  PEAR.  Aith. 

Poire  de  Cuisine.  N.  Dull. 

Poire  de  Cuisine  de  Vatin.  Calvel. 

This  pear  has  quite  a fine  form,  but  is  rather  depressed  ; 
the  skin  is  of  a russet  hue,  scattered  over  with  gray  specks ; 
the  flesh  is  acid  and  only  good  when  cooked  ; it  ripens  at  the 
end  of  autumn.  This  variety  is  cultivated  at  the  Jardin  des 
Plantes  at  Paris. 


PAYENCY.  N.  Duh.  Calvel. 


Poire  de  Payency, 
Poire  de  Perigord, 


I 


N.  Duh.  syn. 


This  pear  is  oblong  and  shaped  nearly  like  the  Mouthwater 
or  Verte-longue  ; the  skin  is  at  first  light  green  and  scattered 
over  w ith  small  grayish  specks,  it  changes  however  in  ripening 
and  becomes  yellow  ; the  flesh  is  half-melting  and  of  a per- 
fumed flavour  ; the  fruit  is  at  maturity  in  October.  This  new 
variety  is  cultivated  at  the  Jardin  des  Plantes  at  Paris. 


C^SAR.  Auth. 

Poire  de  Cesar.  N.  Duh. 

This  is  a large  fruit,  being  often  over  four  inches  in  height, 
and  three  inches  and  a half  or  more  in  diameter ; the  eye  is 
inserted  in  a narrow  and  slight  cavity  ; the  skin  is  smooth, 
pale  yellow  in  the  shade  and  of  a deeper  yellow  next  the  sun, 
and  sometimes  very  faintly  washed  with  red — the  whole  surface 
is  also  scattered  over  with  very  small  specks;  the  flesh  is  very 
white,  more  breaking  than  delicate,  and  of  a rich  and  some- 
what musky  flavour ; the  fruit  ripens  in  December,  and  has 
the  demerit  of  becoming  soft  very  speedily.  It  is  extensively 
cultivated  in  the  French  department  of  Lorraine. 


PEARS. 


99 


APPLE-PEAR.  Autk. 

Poire  pomme.  Duh. 

The  form  of  this  pear  is  not  regular — it  resembles  an  apple 
disproportionately  rounded  in  its  diameter,  larger  towards  the 
eye  than  towards  the  stem,  which  is  itself  large,  short,  and  in- 
serted in  a deep  cavity  of  not  much  breadth,  surrounded  with 
projections ; the  eye  is  small,  contracted,  and  sunk  in  a de- 
pression whose  circumference  is  covered  with  protuberances  ; 
the  whole  surface  of  the  fruit  is  uneven,  and  the  skin  is  a fine 
yellow  colour,  interspersed  w ith  very  small  russet  specks ; the 
flesh  approaches  to  delicate  at  full  maturity,  and  is  of  pleasant 
flavour.  This  fruit,  according  to  M.  Le  Berryais,  will  keep 
two  years,  from  whose  manuscripts  the  editors  of  the  New 
Duhamel  state  they  have  described  this  a-s  well  as  the  preced- 
ing variety. 


COLMAR.  Pr.  cat.  Duh.  Mil.  For. 


Colmart.  Roz.  Mil.  syn.  Coxe. 

Colmars.  Jard,  fruit. 

Poire  de  Colmar.  N.  Duh.  Mil. 

Poire  Manne.  Roz.  syn.  Duh.  syn.  Mil.  syn. 
Manna,  and  Manne.  Mil.  syn.  and  others. 

Belle  et  bonne. 

Bergamotte  tardive, 

Late  Bergamot, 

Winter  Bergamot,  of  some  English  gardens. 

Pear  d'Auch.  For.  and  others. 


Mil.  syn.  and  others. 


The  shape  of  this  pear  is  pyramidal  and  somewhat  truncate 
at  the  base  ; it  is  thirty-two  to  thirty-three  lines  in  diameter  at 
the  largest  part,  and  about  three  inches  in  height ; the  stem, 
which  is  fifteen  or  sixteen  lines  in  length,  is  often  inserted  even 
with  the  extremity  of  the  fruit,  and  in  other  cases  placed  at  tlie 
bottom  of  a pretty  deep  cavity,  surrounded  by  several  projec- 
tions ; the  skin,  which  is  at  first  green,  acquires  at  the  time  of 
maturity  a slightly  yellovvisli  tint — all  its  surface  is  speckled 


iOO 


PEARS. 


with  small  brown  dots,  and  the  side  next  the  sun  is  pretty  often 
partially  touched  with  red ; the  flesh  is  melting,  sweet,  riclv 
and  very  agreeable ; the  seeds  are  brown,  and  the  fruit  ripens 
in  January,  and  keeps  until  April.  It  may  be  propagated  on 
both  pear  and  quince. 

The  last  synonyme  I quote  with  certainty  from  my  own 
knowledge,  and  it  will  be  perceived  that  an  error  long  since 
discovered  in  this  country,  has  been  handed  down  by  English 
writers  from  the  year  1767  to  the  present  day.  The  Poire  or 
Pear  d’Auch  has  been  invariably  described  by  Forsyth  and 
others  as  difierentfrom  the  Colmar,  and  that  author  states  even 
in  his  seventh  edition,  published  in  1824,  that  its  shape  is 
“ fuller  towards  the  stalk,”  and  that  “ it  is  a more  abundant 
bearer  than  the  Colmar,”  when  in  fact  they  are  not  only  pre- 
cisely the  same,  but  the  tree  possesses  characters  strikingly  dis- 
tinct from  almost  every  other  variety  of  pear. 

Even  as  early  as  the  second  autumn  of  its  growth  from  the 
graft,  the  bark  on  the  base  of  the  stalk  begins  to  show  a de- 
gree of  roughness  which  annually  increases  as  the  tree  grows 
larger,  until  the  whole  body  presents  not  only  an  extreme  de- 
gree of  roughness,  but  becomes  covered  with  cracks  and  inci- 
sures of  considerable  width  on  every  part  of  its  surface,  and 
in  this  striking  peculiarity  I know  of  no  other  variety  that  can 
be  mistaken  for  it.  This  singular  appearance  of  the  bark, 
which  is  somewhat  like  that  of  trees  of  the  Green  Newtown 
pippin  when  ingrafted  low,  is  by  some  persons  supposed  to 
arise  from  an  unihriftiness  of  the  tree,  when  in  fact  it  origi- 
nates from  no  such  cause. 

Fessenden  in  speaking  of  the  culture  of  this  pear  in  the  vi- 
cinity of  Boston,  states  that  the  same  remarks  made  by  him  in 
regard  to  the  Crasanne,  and  the  Virgouleuse,  apply  also  to 
this,  viz.  that  it  is  only  suited  to  the  city,  or  where  the  culti- 
vators in  the  country  make  an  artificial  shelter  for  their  trees, 
either  by  walls,  buildings,  or  terraces. 


r 


TEARS. 


101 


PASSE  COLMAR.  Pii.  cat.  Van  Mons.  N.  Dun. 
Pom.  mag.  Lond.  hort.  trans. 


Fo,«la,ae  de  Panisel,  > ^an  Mons  Arbres  Fruit. 

Poire  precel,  ^ 

Passe  Colmar  epineux,  > 

Colmar  epineux,  ^ 

Passe  colmar  gris,  dit  Precel.  Lond.  Hort.  Trans. 

Beurri  col^r  gris,  dite  Preeel,  > Lo„d.  Hort.  Soc.  cat. 
Chapman  s,  ^ 

Colmar  reul, 

Colmar  Preul, 

PreuVs  colmar, 

Passe  colmar  vineux, 

Beurr^  d’Argenson? 

Napoleon,  of  some  American  gardens. 


of  various  European  and  American 
catalogues. 


This  fine  Flemish  variety  has  been  more  extensively  culti- 
vated in  our  country  than  any  other  from  the  same  quarter, 
grafts  having  been  sent  some  years  since  from  the  London 
Horticultural  Society,  and  several  trees  having  been  received 
by  the  author  about  the  same  time  from  the  vicinity  of  their 
place  of  origin.  The  following  description  is  extracted  from 
the  Pomological  Magazine. 

“ From  its  ripening  late,  bearing  most  abundantly,  and  pos- 
sessing a peculiarly  rich  and  agreeable  flavour,  this  pear  has 
become  a universal  favourite,  and  deservedly.  It  was  raised  in 
Flanders  by  a Mr.  Ilardenpont  (.^  d’Ardempont,  Auth.)  to 
whom,  in  conjunction  with  Dr.  Van  Mons  and  some  others  of 
his  countrymen,  we  are  indebted  for  several  very  excellent  va- 
rieties of  the  pear.  This  is  a most  abundant  bearer,  either  as 
a standard  or  upon  a wall ; the  trees  make  fine  clean  wood, 
and  have  not  been  observed  to  have  the  least  canker  ; the  fruit 
has  the  flavour  and  form  of  the  Colmar,  whence  its  name. 

“ Wood  fine  clear  yellow  brown,  sprinkled  with  a few  pale 
brown  spots ; leaves  small,  oval,  tapering  to  both  ends,  erect 
or  spreading,  nearly  flat,  not  waved,  with  a finely  toothed  mar- 
gin ; stalks  rather  slender,  about  an  inch  in  length  ; stipules 
linear,  sometimes  rather  more  than  half  the  length  of  the  pc- 


102 


PEARS. 


tides  ; the  leaves  on  the  fruit  spurs  are  narrower,  with  much 
longer  stalks  than  those  on  the  young  wood  ; flowers  middle' 
sized,  with  pointed  petals ; fruit  middle-sized,  obconical,  flat- 
tened next  the  eye,  which  is  open ; stalk  about  an  inch  long, 
moderately  thick,  slightly  sunk  at  its  insertion ; skin  green, 
when  ripe  becoming  yellowish,  sprinkled  with  russet,  and  if 
well  exposed  having  a considerable  tinge  of  red  ; the  surface  is 
somewhat  uneven,  with  some  slight  longitudinal  furrows,  run- 
ning downwards  from  the  stalk  end  ; flesh  yellowish,  melting, 
buttery,  juicy,  very  rich,  and  most  excellent.  It  is  said  on  the 
continent  to  be  in  season  from  December  to  February;  it  will 
keep  till  the  latter  period  wdth  us  (in  England),  but  December 
and  January  are  the  months  in  which  it  is  in  its  greatest  per- 
fection.” 

I will  now  extract  the  description  of  the  same  fruit  from  the 
New  Duhamel,  w hich  was  published  in  1825,  when  the  charac- 
ter of  this  fruit  was  not  so  w^ell  known. 

“ This  pear  has  quite  a regular  pyramidal  shape,  sometimes 
however  it  is  more  inclined  to  a turbinate  form  ; it  is  thirty  to 
thirty-two  lines  in  height,  and  twenty-four  to  twenty-six  in 
breadth  ; the  stem,  which  is  fifteen  to  eighteen  lines  in  length, 
is  somewhat  enlarged  at  its  Junction  with  the  fruit ; the  eye  is 
even  with  the  extremity  of  the  fruit,  without  any  depression  or 
any  remarkable  projection  ; the  skin  which  is  at  first  greenish, 
becomes  of  a light  yellow  at  perfect  maturity,  and  it  is  often 
marked  in  different  places  by  large  russet  spots  ; the  flesh  is 
rather  firm,  pleasant  and  sweet ; the  seeds  are  brown,  and  the 
fruit  ripens  in  January  and  February.” 

In  regard  to  the  synonymes,  the  seven  first  named  are  given 
in  the  Pomological  Magazine,  to  which  I have  added  the  resi- 
due from  my  own  opinion  in  regard  to  them  ; and  I scarcely 
deem  any  of  those  annexed  by  me  to  be  dubious,  although  1 
have  annexed  to  one  of  them  an  expression  of  doubt. 

The  synonyme  “ Chapman’s,”  extracted  from  the  Pomolo- 
gical Magazine,  is  said  in  that  work  to  have  derived  its  origin 
from  the  circumstance  of  some  grafts  of  this  kind  falling  into 
the  hands  of  a market  gardener  of  that  name,  at  an  early  pe- 


FEARS. 


103 


riod  of  its  introduction  to  Britain,  by  whom  it  was  extensively 
sold  under  his  own  name.  But  there  are  two  other  pears 
which  bear  the  name  of  Chapman^  one  of  which  is  cultivated 
in  France  and  is  enumerated  in  several  of  the  catalogues  of 
that  country ; the  other  is  a variety  so  called  about  Phila- 
delphia, which  I have  in  my  collection.  It  is  necessary  there- 
fore to  be  watchful,  or  we  may  be  led  into  error  in  adopting 
this  synonyme. 


TARQUIN.  Pr.  cat.  Duh. 

This  pear  is  oblong,  its  form  very  much  approaching  that  of 
the  Epargne,  or  Jargonelle  of  the  English,  but  it  is  slightly 
flattened  at  the  base,  and  rather  more  pointed  next  the  stem, 
which  is  of  moderate  length,  and  enlarged  near  its  junction 
with  the  fruit,  where  it  presents  a fleshy  appearance.  The 
skin  is  delicate  and  at  full  maturity  becomes  greenish  yellow, 
marbled  over  with  fawn  colour  ; a shallow  groove  extends  from 
one  end  of  the  fruit  to  the  other  ; the  flesh  is  breaking  without 
being  dry,  rather  delicate,  and  has  a slight  acidity  in  its  fla- 
vour somewhat  resembling  that  of  the  Easter  Bergamot,  or 
Bergamotte  de  Basques.  This  pear  does  not  ripen  until  in 
April  and  May. 


POIRE  DE  JARDIN.  Pr.  cat.  Dun.  Coxe. 

Poirier  de  Jardin.  Roz.  | Garden  pear. 

This  fruit  is  flattened  at  the  head,  and  its  form  is  nearly  glo- 
bular like  the  Orange  pears ; it  is  two  and  a half  inches  in 
diameter,  and  two  inches  three  lines  in  height  ; the  eye  is  in- 
serted in  a cavity  which  is  usually  of  regular  form  and  rather 
deep,  and  the  stem,  which  is  whitish  green,  large  at  its  extre- 
mity and  eight  or  nine  lines  in  length,  is  situated  in  a small 
cavity  that  is  contracted  and  shallow ; the  skin  is  somewhat 
pimpled,  and  on  tlie  side  exposed  to  the  sun  is  a beautiful  dark 


104 


PEARS. 


red,  scattered  over  with  golden  yellow  dots,  whereas  the  shade 
side  is  speckled  and  striped  with  light  red  upon  a yellow 
ground  ; the  flesh  is  half-melting,  somewhat  coarse  and  some- 
what gritty  around  the  seeds,  of  a sweet  flavour  and  excellent 
taste ; the  seeds  are  long,  dark  brown,  and  lodged  in  broad 
cells  around  a hollow  centre.  This  is  a valuable  fruit  and 
ripens  in  December. 


FRANC-REAL.  Pr.  cat.  Roz.  Duh.  Mil.  For. 

Frank  Royal  7 Quin.  Evel.  Fine  gold  of  winter.  Pr.  cat. 
Fin  or  d' hirer.  Mil.  syn.  Golden  end  of  winter.  Mil.  For. 

Gros  micet. 

Nothing  can  show  in  a stronger  light  the  complete  system 
of  copying  from  each  other  pursued  by  most  of  the  English 
horticultural  writers  for  a long  period,  than  the  circumstance 
that  even  original  errors  and  mistranslations  have  been  handed 
down  for  ages.  The  last  synon^me  above  given  is  one  of 
this  description  and  is  a mistranslation  of  the  second  synonyme, 
which  by  reference  to  Miller  and  other  English  works,  w ill  be 
found  to  have  been  copied  from  one  to  another  from  a very 
remote  period  down  to  the  improved  edition  of  Forsyth,  pub- 
lished in  1824,  where  it  is  again  repeated.  I now  proceed  to 
describe  this  pear,  the  description  of  which  in  Forsyth  is  not 
correct. 

The  form  of  this  fruit  is  somewdiat  turbinate,  being  tw^o  inches 
ten  lines  in  diameter  and  the  same  in  height ; sometimes  it  is 
much  larger  and  almost  pyriform,  having  rather  more  height 
than  breadth — the  largest  part  of  the  fruit  is  about  the  middle ; 
the  skin  is  greenish,  scattered  over  with  dots  and  small  spots  of 
russet,  and  becoming  yellowish  at  perfect  maturity ; the  flesh 
is  firm  and  excellent  for  cooking  and  preseiw^es ; the  seeds  are 
large,  flat,  and  dark  brown,  and  the  fruit  ripens  in  October  and 
will  keep  till  in  December ; the  tree  is  of  vigorous  growth 
and  productive  in  its  crops,  and  may  be  ingrafted  on  both  the 
pear  and  quince. 


TEARS. 


105 


BEQUESNE.  Ph.  cat.  Roz.  Duh.  Coxe. 

Bequene.  Quin.  ? Evel.  ? 

This  pear  is  two  inches  six  lines  in  height,  and  two  inches 
four  lines  in  diameter ; it  is  often  somewhat  protuberant  at  one 
side  and  arched  on  the  other — its  greatest  diameter  is  about 
midway  of  its  height,  and  it  diminishes  in  size  towards  the  two 
extremities,  especially  next  to  the  stem  ; the  skin  is  slightly 
tinged  with  red  next  the  sun,  and  in  a great  measure  covered, 
especially  on  that  side  with  dots  and  spots  of  a grayish  or  rus- 
set hue  ; the  shade  side  acquires  a lemon  colour  when  the  fruit 
is  ripening.  The  flesh  is  firm,  but  it  becomes  soft  and  acquires 
a beautiful  colour  when  cooked,  and  is  excellent  for  that  pur- 
pose and  for  preserves.  It  begins  to  ripen  in  October,  and  keeps 
until  in  February.  The  tree  is  strong  and  vigorous,  and  suc- 
ceeds better  when  grafted  on  the  pear  than  on  the  quince.  De 
la  Quintinye  mentions  a pear  called  Bequene  at  that  day,  but 
I scarcely  suppose  it  can  be  synonymous  with  the  one  described. 


WINTER  THORN.  Pr.  cat.  Mil. 

Epine  d'hiver,  Roz.  Duh.  Mil.  For.  Coxe. 

This  fruit  is  twenty-six  lines  in  diameter  and  thirty  in  height, 
the  end  next  the  stalk  diminishes  by  degrees  and  terminates  in 
a very  obtuse  point ; the  stem  is  pretty  large,  ten  to  fourteen 
lines  in  length,  and  somewhat  fleshy  at  its  junction — it  is 
sometimes  inserted  even  with  the  extremity  of  the  fruit,  and  in 
other  cases  between  several  furrows  and  small  projections, 
which  form  a kind  of  cavity  at  the  place  of  its  insertion. 
Frequently  there  is  a shallow  groove  quite  conspicuous,  which 
extends  from  the  stem  to  the  eye,  the  latter  of  which  is  situated 
nearly  even  with  the  extremity  of  the  fruit ; the  skin  is  uniform  and 
very  smooth,  of  a whitish  green  hue,  but  becomes  very  yellow 
at  maturity ; the  flesh  is  melting,  of  a musky  flavour,  and  very 
agreeable  taste  ; the  seeds  are  oblong,  well  perfected,  and  of 

14 


106 


PEARS. 


a light  brown  colour,  and  the  fruit  commences  ripening  in 
November,  and  keeps  sometimes  to  the  end  of  January  ; the 
tree  requires  a good  exposure — in  soils  that  are  dry  it  should 
be  grafted  on  the  pear,  and  in  humid  soils  on  the  quince. 


WONDER  OF  WINTER.  Pr.  cat.  Mil.  stn.  Coxe. 


Merveille  d’hiver.  Roz.  Diih.  Mil.  syn.  Coxe. 
Petit  oin.  Roz.  Duh.  syn.  Mil.  syn. 

Bouvar.  Mil. 

Little  lard.  ) 

Amadonl,  ] _ 

Rousset,  or  Roussette  d* Anjou.  Mil.  erroneously. 


This  pear  is  usually  round,  being  twenty-six  lines  in  diame* 
ter  and  twenty-eight  in  height ; the  part  about  the  head  is 
quite  round,  and  the  eye,  which  is  large,  is  situated  even  with 
the  fruit ; the  stem  is  slender,  short,  and  a little  curved,  and  is 
inserted  within  a small  cavity — sometimes  it  is  rather  long  and 
its  junction  even  with  the  extremity  of  the  fruit  ; the  skin 
is  somewhat  rough,  greenish,  and  often  scattered  over  with 
small  protuberances,  and  changes  to  a yellowish  hue  at  matu- 
rity ; the  flesh  is  melting,  of  a sweet  flavour,  musky,  and  very 
agreeable  to  the  taste.  This  fruit  ripens  in  November,  and 
the  tree  is  handsome  when  ingrafted  on  the  pear,  but  does  not 
do  well  on  the  quince.  It  is  very  productive,  but  in  order  to 
have  excellent  fruit,  it  should  be  planted  in  a soil  which  is  nei- 
ther cold  nor  humid,  and  in  a good  exposure. 


ViTRIER.  pR.  CAT.  Roz.  Dun. 

This  pear  is  large  and  oval,  being  two  inches  and  a half  in 
diameter,  and  two  inches  ten  lines  in  height ; the  eye  is  large 
and  quite  open,  very  slightly  depressed,  and  the  stem,  which  is 
moderately  large  and  about  an  inch  in  length,  is  inserted  even 
with  the  fruit  amid  some  projections  ; the  skin  is  smooth,  deep 
red  speckled  with  brown  points  on  the  sunny  side,  and  on  the 
shade  side  of  a light  green  hue,  dotted  over  with  a deeper 
shade  of  the  same  colour';  the  flesh  is  white,  but  not  very  de- 


PEARS. 


107 


llcate,  and  the  juice  is  of  quite  an  agreeable  taste ; the  seeds 
are  black,  and  the  fruit  ripens  in  November  or  December. 

GROSSE  POIRE  DE  \ ITRIER.  N.  Dun. 

Great  ■pear  of  Vitrier.  Auth. 

Duhamel  after  giving  the  preceding  description,  states  that 
he  believes  the  true  Vitrier,  which  he  found  under  that  name  in 
many  gardens,  is  different — that  it  is  a very  beautiful  and  very 
large  fruit,  of  a turbinate  form,  flattened  at  the  base,  and  ter- 
minating at  the  stem  in  a point  moderately  obtuse.  This  pear 
is  three  inches  nine  lines  in  diameter,  and  four  inches  wanting 
one  line  in  height;  the  skin  is  smootli,  scattered  over  with  nu- 
merous fawn  specks  of  a bright  red  next  the  sun,  and  lemon 
colour  on  the  shaded  side ; the  flesh  is  white,  of  rather  agree- 
able taste,  and  partially  perfumed  with  musk  ; the  fruit  ripens 
in  November  and  December ; the  tree  is  very  vigorous,  and 
succeeds  when  ingrafted  on  the  quince. 

DOUBLE  FLOWERING.  Pr.  cat.  Mil. 

Douhle-feur.  Quin.  Roz.  Duh. " Mil, 

Armenie. 

Armenian,  ) F M 

The  Double  flower,  ^ ' 

This  tree  acquires  its  leading  title  from  its  flowers  being 
semi-double,  they  having  ten  to  fifteen  petals  ; the  fruit  is  round 
and  flattened,  its  diameter  being  thirty  lines,  and  its  height 
but  twenty-six  lines  ; the  head  is  flat,  and  the  eye  is  there  placed 
in  a broad  and  regular  depression  ; the  stem  is  eleven  lines 
long,  and  inserted  within  a contracted  cavity ; the  side  of  the 
skin  which  is  shaded  is  green,  but  becomes  yellow  as  the  fruit 
ripens — the  opposite  side  is  red  ; the  whole  fruit  is  besides  in- 
terspersed with  some  dots  and  small  spots  of  a gray  colour  ; 
the  flesh  is  breaking,  and  good  only  when  cooked ; the  seeds 
are  dark  brown,  broad  and  flat,  and  the  fruit  ripens  in  Febru- 
ary, March,  and  April. 


108 


PEARS. 


DOUBLE  FLOWERING,  with  striped  fruit.  Pr.  cat. 

Double  fleur  panachte.  Roz.  N.  Duh. 

This  is  a subvariety  of  the  preceding,  which  is  distinguished 
by  the  colour  of  its  skin,  which  is  striped  with  green  and  yel- 
low, marked  with  large  red  dots  on  the  side  next  the  sun,  and 
speckled  with  points  and  small  spots  of  a gray  hue  ; the  tree 
may  be  ingrafted  both  on  the  pear  and  the  quince. 

PRIEST’S-PEAR.  Auth. 

Poire  de  Pretre.  Roz.  Duh. 

This  pear  is  twenU-seven  lines  in  height  and  twenty-eight 
in  diameter,  its  form  being  nearly  globular  ; the  eye  is  inserted 
within  a broad  and  shallow  depression,  and  the  stem,  which  is 
about  nine  lines  in  length,  is  implanted  in  a more  marked  ca- 
vity ; the  skin  is  ash-gray,  scattered  over  with  small  light  gray 
dots ; the  flesh  is  while,  half-breaking,  with  a slightly  acid 
flavour,  and  rather  pleasant ; it  is  subject  to  be  gritty  near  the 
seeds,  w hich  are  very  dark  browm,  w ell  matured,  somewhat  ob- 
long, and  contained  in  broad  cells  the  fruit  ripens  in  the 
month  of  February. 


TONNEAU.  Pr.  cat.  Roz.  Duh. 

This  pear  is  of  very  fine  form  and  very  large  size ; it  is  four 
inches  three  to  six  lines  in  length,  and  two  inches  nine  lines  to 
three  inches  in  its  greatest  diameter  ; the  stem  is  twelve  to 
thirteen  lines  in  length  and  inserted  within  a cavity  surrounded 
by  some  protuberances ; the  skin  is  at  first  light  green,  scat- 
tered over  with  numerous  small  specks  of  deeper  green,  and 
becomes  yellow  at  the  maturity  of  the  fruit — the  side  exposed 
to  the  sun  acquires  a greater  or  less  degree  of  red ; the  flesh 
is  firm,  with  a partial  acidity  ; the  fruit  ripens  in  October  and 
November^  and  often  keeps  until  in  February  and  March ; it 


PEARS. 


109 


is  far  better  when  cooked  or  made  into  preserves  (compotes) 
than  raw' ; the  tree  is  vigorous,  and  can  be  grafted  on  either 
the  pear  or  the  quince. 

CHAPTAL.  Pr.  cat.  N.  Duh. 

This  fruit  is  of  pyramidal  form,  four  inches  wanting  three 
lines  in  height,  and  twenty-three  lines  in  diameter  at  the  broad- 
est part ; the  stem,  which  is  about  an  inch  long,  is  usually  in- 
serted somewhat  obliquely  in  a small  cavity,  in  consequence  of 
one  side  being  covered  with  a protuberance  which  inclines  it 
sideways  ; the  eye  is  situated  in  a depression  neither  deep  nor 
wide,  and  regularly  formed  in  its  circumference  ; the  skin  is 
of  a rather  dull  green,  varying  to  yellowish  at  perfect  maturity 
— the  side  exposed  to  the  sun’s  rays  attains  a slight  reddish 
tint ; the  flesh  is  firm,  somewhat  dry,  pleasant,  accompanied 
by  a little  sweetness,  but  not  high  flavoured — when  cooked, 
however,  it  acquires  a very  sweet  flavour;  the  seeds  are  brown, 
very  oblong  and  much  pointed;  the  most  part  being  abortive ; 
the  cells  which  contain  them  are  arranged  round  the  axis  of 
the  fruit  which  is  hollow ; this  pear  ripens  in  January  and  Feb- 
ruary ; it  was  raised  from  seed  some  years  since  by  M.  Hervy, 
director  of  the  Luxembourg  nursery,  who  gave  it  the  title  at- 
tached to  it,  and  by  whom  it  was  presented  to  the  editors  of 
the  New  Duhamel.  M.  Chaptal,  whose  name  it  bears,  was 
then  Minister  of  the  Interior,  and  it  was  under  his  auspices 
that  the  celebrated  nursery  referred  to  was  re-established,  which 
had  been  previously  known  by  the  name  of  Chartreux. 


CATILLAC.  Pr.  cat.  Roz.  Duh.  Mil.  For. 

Cadillac, 

Franc  real,  of  some  American  gardens. 

This  pear  is  a very  beautiful  fruit,  commonly  quite  round  at 
the  head  and  diminishing  more  or  less  in  size  towards  the  stalk, 
which  gives  it  a somewhat  turbinate  form  ; it  is  three  inches 
eight  or  nine  lines  in  its  greatest  diameter,  and  tliree  inches 


no 


PEARS. 


three  to  five  lioes  in  height ; the  stem  is  short,  being  often  but 
seven  or  eight  lines  in  length,  and  is  inserted  within  a slight 
depression  whose  edges  are  rather  even  ; the  skin  is  light  green, 
more  or  less  speckled  with  small  red  dots,  and  becomes  pale 
yellow  at  maturity,  attaining  next  the  sun  a lighter  or  darker 
red  hue ; the  flesh  is  white,  firm,  breaking,  and  of  an  acid  fla- 
vour, which  is  sometimes  meliorated  in  particular  cases  where 
the  fruit  is  well  ripened ; when  cooked  this  pear  acquires  a 
fine  colour  approaching  to  red,  and  is  of  a very  pleasant  sweet 
taste  ; the  seeds  are  oblong  and  small  comparatively  with  the 
magnitude  of  the  fruit,  which  ripens  in  November  and  De- 
cember, and  may  be  preserved  the  whole  winter  ; it  is  only 
, eaten  when  cooked  and  comes  under  the  denomination  of  bak- 
ing pears,  being  used  for  that  purpose  and  for  compotes ; the 
tree  is  very  vigorous,  and  succeeds  better  grafted  on  the  pear 
than  on  the  quince. 


RATEAU.  Pr.  cat.  N.  Duh. 

. Gros  Rateau.  Pr.  cat.  25  ed. 

This  pear  is  as  large  as  the  Catillac,  but  is  more  of  a.tur- 
binate  form,  being  usually  three  inches  and  a half  in  its  greatest 
diameter,  and  a line  or  two  less  in. height;  the  stem  is  six  or 
eight  lines  long  at  most,  and  inserted  within  a small  cavity, 
one  side  of  which  is  more  elevated  than  the  other — the  eye 
on  the  contrary  is  situated  in  a pretty  deep  cavity,  whose  sides 
are  very  even  and  regular  ; the  skin  on  the  shade  side  is  green- 
ish white,  and  of  a vermilion  colour  on  the  side  opposite,  and 
is  strewed  all  over  with  numerous  small  specks  of  a russet  hue; 
the  flesh'  is  firm,  breaking,  rather  sweet,  with  a partial  odour 
and  of  agreeable  taste — when  cooked  it  acquires  a very  slight 
rosy  tint  and  a delicious  flavour ; the  seeds  are  almost  invari- 
ably abortive,  and  the  fruit  ripens  in  December  and  January. 
This  is  a fine  pear  and  merits  extensive  dissemination  ; in  a 
raw  state  it  is  suitable  to  form  an  ornament  for  the  dessert  dur- 
ing a part  of  the  winter,  and  it  is  sufficiently  agreeable  tO'J)e 


FEARS. 


Ill 


eaten  with  pleasure,  and  when  cooked  it  forms  excellent  com- 
potes. It  derives  its  title  from  the  gardener  who  first  culti- 
vated it.-  ^ 

GILLOGILLE.  Pr.  cat.  N.Duh. 

Gilogil.  Pom.  Mag.  Lond.  Hort.  Traus. 

Gile-6-gile.  Noisette  Man. 

Garde-ecorce. 

Gros  gohet,  ) of  some  French  gardens,  but  not  the  Poire 

Dugobert,  ^ d gobert  of  Duhamel. 

The  following  is  the  description  of  this  fruit  as  given  by 
Duhamel. 

The  fruit  is  round,  almost  turbinate,  being  three  inches 
three  lines  in  height,  and  of  the  same  measurement  in  its 
greatest  diameter  ; the  stem  is  situated  in  a cavity  with  regular 
edges,  and  nearly  as  deep  as  that  which  receives  the  eye ; the 
skin  is  partially  rough,  yellow  at  maturity,  and  almost  wholly 
covered  with  russet  spots,  and  in  some  cases  slightly  tinged 
with  red  next  to  the  sun ; the  flesh  is  breaking,  of  a flavour 
slightly  acid,  and  scarcely  to  be  deemed  agreeable,  as  it  leaves 
a great  portion  of  huskiness  and  astringency  in  the  mouth.  It 
ripens  in  October  and  November,  and  is  more  in  use  for  cook- 
ing than  for  eating  raw,  and  in  the  former  case  acquires  the 
taste  of  an  apple. 

De  la  Quintinye  and  Evelyn  mention  a pear  then  known 
by  the  titles  of  Carmelite,  Mazuer,  or  Gilogiles,  ripening  in 
November  and  suitable  for  baking ; but  they  could  scarcely 
have  referred  to  the  present  variety.  Miller  also  describes  a 
pear  under  the  title  of  Carmelite,  which  he  states  is  in  season 
in  March,  and  quotes  Tournefort  as  authority. 

This  pear  is  also  figured  and  described  in  the  Pomological 
Magazine,  and  I extract  the  following  remarks  from  that  work. 

“ A valuable  winter  pear,  although  not  of  first  rate  excel- 
lence. It  is  a great  bearer,  has  a tolerably  pleasant  flavour, 
is  very  handsome,  and  keeps  well  till  March.  As  a baking 
pear  it  is  particularly  useful,  but  it  is  difficult  to  stew  whole  on 
account  of  its  becoming  too  soft.  According  to  the  French, 


112 


PEARS, 


this  will  remain  in  use  till  April  and  May ; we  have  not  seen 
any  instance  of  its  possessing  such  a property  in  England,  but 
it  probably  would  if  grown  on  an  open  standard,  for  ‘Which  it 
is  w'ell  adapted.  It  should  however  be  observed,  that  the  pe- 
riod of  ripening  in  pears  depends  very  much  upon  the  time  at 
which  their  blossoms  open ; fruit  produced  by  late  blossoms 
will  invariably  keep  later  than  such  as  comes  from  early  blos- 
soms ; hence  it  happens  not  unfrequently,  that  chambered  fruit 
will  vary  as  much  as  a month  or  six  weeks  in  the  time  of  its 
being  fit  for  the  table. 

“ Wood  very  vigorous,  bright  brown,  with  numerous  small 
russet  spots;  leaves  thick,  flat,  recurved,  regularly  serrated  ; 
flowers  middle-sized,  roundish  oval  ; fruit  large,  roundish, 
flattened  at  the  top  and  not  tapering  into  the  stalk  ; eye  large 
and  deep  ; stalk  short,  deeply  inserted  ; skin  a deep  close  rus- 
set, a little  tinged  with  red  next  the  sun ; flesh  white,  juicy, 
breaking,  a little  gritty,  sweet,  and  pleasant.” 

BEAUTY  OF  WINTER.  Auth. 

Bellissime  d’hiver.  Roz.  Duh.  | Teton  de  Venus. 

De  Bur. 

This  pear  is  of  round  form  next  the  head,  and  as  it  becomes 
somewhat  contracted  towards  the  opposite  end,  it  thence  de- 
rives a turbinate  shape ; it  measures  thirty-six  to  thirty-eight 
lines  in  height,  and  thirty-four  to  thirty-six  in  diameter  ; the 
stem  and  the  eye  are  almost  even  with  the  extremities  of  the 
fruit ; the  skin  in  the  shade  is  light  green,  changing  to  pale 
yellow  at  maturity,  and  the  part  exposed  to  the  sun  becomes  of 
a crimson  hue — the  whole  surface  is  besides  profusely  strewed 
with  small  grayish  specks  ; the  flesh  is  firm,  rather  dry,  bland, 
and  somewhat  agreeable ; the  seeds  are  large  and  of  a light 
brown  hue,  and  the  fruit  ripens  in  November  and  December, 
and  keeps  till  in  May.  It  is  far  better  cooked  than  raw,  and 
pretty  good  compotes  may  be  made  with  it. 


PEARS. 


113 


SAINT-PERE.  Dun, 

Saint-Pair.  Roz.  syn.  Duh.  syn. 

Holy  Father. 

The  form  of  this  fruit  is  pyriform,  or  we  may  rather  say 
pyramidal ; it  is  three  inches  in  height  and  thirty-three  lines  in 
diameter ; the  eye  is  situated  within  a slight  depression,  and 
the  stem,  which  is  six  to  twelve  lines  in  length,  is  inserted 
within  a very  small  cavity ; the  skin,  which  is  green  before 
maturity,  becomes  yellowish  when  that  period  arrives,  and  the 
side  next  the  sun  acquires  a tint  of  dull  red ; the  flesh  is  dry 
and  rather  firm,  but  tender  notwithstanding  when  fully  ripe, 
and  of  a bland  flavour ; when  cooked  it  makes  excellent  com- 
potes ; the  seeds  are  brown  and  oblong,  covered  at  the  point 
and  a little  above  with  a small  membrane  ; the  fruit  ripens  in 
March,  and  may  be  kept  till  in  June.  I have  transcribed  the 
foregoing  description  from  the  New  Duhamel.  In  the  ori- 
ginal edition  of  that  work  this  pear  is  not  stated  to  be  as  large 
as  the  dimensions  here  given  it,  being  there  recorded  as  mea- 
suring twenty-six  lines  in  diameter  and  twenty-eight  in  height. 


PASTORALE.  Pr.  cat.  Roz.  Dun.  Mil.  Foe. 

Musette  d^automne.  Quin.  ? Roz.  syn.  Duh.  syn.  Mil.  syn. 

Pastourelle.  Quin.  ? Evel.  ? 

Bagpipe  of  Autumn.  Evel.  ? 

Petit  llateau. 

This  fruit  is  two  inches  six  to  eight  lines  in  diameter,  and 
three  inches  four  to  eight  lines  in  height ; it  is  of  a pretty  re- 
gular pyramidal  form,  diminishing  a little  in  size  at  the  head, 
where  the  eye  is  placed  nearly  even  with  the  fruit,  the  part  next 
the  stem  is  elongated  and  its  siv.e  lessens  pretty  regularly — it 
is  not  pointed,  but  rounded  at  the  extremity,  where  the  stem, 
which  is  twelve  to  fourteen  lines  in  length,  is  inserted  even 
with  the  surface  of  the  fruit,  and  sometimes  upon  a kind  of 

15 


114 


PEARS. 


spiral  protuberance  ; the  skin  is  light  green,  interspersed  with 
red  spots,  and  becomes  yellow  at  maturity,  when  the  sunny 
side  also  acquires  a red  tint ; the  flesh  is  somew  hat  firm,  mode- 
rately melting,  and  of  a musky  and  agreeable  flavour ; the 
seeds  are  bro^d,  short,  and  very  often  abortive,  and  the  fruit 
ripens  in  November  and  December ; the  tree  succeeds  better 
on  the  pear  than  on  the  quince. 

De  la  Quintinye  and  Evelyn  mention  a pear  then  cultivated, 
which  bore  the  title  of  Pastourelle,  Musette  d’automne,  or 
Bagpipe  of  autumn,  from  which  circumstance  it  would  appear 
that  this  fruit  w^as  known  to  the  gardens  of  that  day. 

ST.  AUGUSTIN.  Pk.  cat.  Evel. 

Savit  Augustin.  Quin.  Roz.  Duh. 

St.  Austin.  Mil.  For. 

Poire  de  Pise. 

This  pear  is  thirty  lines  in  height  and  tw  enty-two  in  diame- 
ter ; it  is  swollen  about  the  middle  and  diminishes  in  size  to- 
wards the  head,  where  the  eye  is  placed  even  with  the  fruit — 
its  size  is  still  smaller  at  the  other  extremity,  wdiich  terminates 
in  an  obtuse  point,  and  in  which  the  stem  of  an  inch  in  length 
is  inserted  among  some  protuberances  without  any  appa- 
rent depression ; the  skin,  which  is  at  first  green,  becomes  a 
light  yellow'  at  the  time  of  ripening,  the  side  exposed  to  the 
sun’s  rays  is  faintly  tinged  with  red,  and  the  whole  surface  is 
more  or  less  scattered  over  wdtli  brown  specks ; the  flesh  is 
hard  and  of  a musky  flavour  ; the  seeds  are  black,  oblong, 
and  quite  perfect,  and  the  fruit  ripens  in  December  and  Janu- 
ary ; the  tree  may  be  ingrafted  either  upon  the  pear  or  the 
quince. 

CHAMP-RICHE  D’lTALIE.  Pe.  cat.  Roz.  Duh. 

Riche  d'ltalie.  | Italian  rich  Jield.  Auth. 

This  fruit  is  three  inches  and  a half  in  height  and  two  inches 
seven  lines  in  diameter  at  the  most  sw'ollen  point,  which  is  about 


I 


PEARS.  115 

midway  of  its  length  ; the  eye  is  pretty  large,  placed  in  a 
broad  and  slightly  hollowed  depression ; the  part  next  the  stalk 
diminishes  considerably  in  size,  and  terminates  in  an  almost 
acute  point  at  the  place  where  the  stem  is  inserted ; the  skin  is 
light  green,  interspersed  with  specks  and  small  spots  of  a 
grayish  hue ; the  flesh  is  white,  half-breaking,  not  gritty,  and 
is  very  good  cooked  and  in  compotes  ; there  are  usually  in 
this  fruit  but  four  seminal  cells,  each  of  which  contains  two 
oblong  seeds  that  are  slender,  curved  towards  the  point,  and  of 
a light  brown  colour  ; this  pear  ripens  in  December  and  Ja- 
nuary ; the  tree  is  vigorous,  and  may  be  grafted  on  the  pear 
and  the  quince. 


LANSAC.  Pr.  cat.  Roz.  Duii.  Mil.  Foe. 

Satin  vert  ? Quin. 

Green  satin  ? Evel. 

This  fruit  is  almost  globular,  its  diameter  being  nearly 
equal  to  its  height,  the  former  measures  twenty-three  lines  and 
the  latter  twenty-four  ; the  eye  is  situated  in  a slight  depres- 
sion, and  frequently  nearly  even  with  the  fruit ; the  stem  is 
large,  seven  to  ten  lines  in  length,  fleshy  at  its  junction,  and 
sometimes  inserted  even  with  the  extremity,  and  at  others  in  a 
small  cavity ; the  skin  is  smooth  and  yellow  ; the  flesh  melting, 
and  of  a sweet,  rich,  and  agreeable  flavour  ; the  seeds  are  or- 
dinarily abortive ; the  fruit  begins  ripening  at  the  end  of  Oc- 
tober and  keeps  sometimes  till  in  January : the  tree  may  be 
grafted  upon  the  pear  and  the  quince. 


TROUVE.  Roz.  Dun. 

The  form  of  tliis  pear  is  very  regular ; it  is  twenty-nine 
lines  in  heiglit,  and  twenty-seven  in  diameter  ; the  eye  is  large, 
very  open,  and  placed  nearly  even  with  the  fruit ; the  stem, 
which  is  fifteen  to  eigliteen  lines  in  length,  large  at  its  extre- 


116 


PEARS. 


mity  and  somewhat  fleshy  at  its  origin,  is  inserted  rather  ob- 
liquely at  the  point  of  and  even  with  the  fruit ; the  skin  is 
lemon  colour  where  shaded,  and  sometimes  faintly  tinged  with 
light  red — on  the  side  exposed  to  the  sun  it  is  a bright  and 
pretty  deep  red, — the  whole  surface  is  also  interspersed  with 
very  small  specks,  which  are  red  upon  the  yellow  ground  and 
light  gray  upon  the  red ; the  flesh  is  white  inclining  to  yellow, 
breaking,  not  gritty,  and  of  a sweet  and  agreeable  flavour ; 
the  seeds  are  short,  quite  perfect,  not  much  pointed,  and  of  a 
brown  hue,  and  the  fruit  ripens  in  January  and  can  be  pre- 
served until  in  April ; it  is  good  when  cooked,  but  at  its  per- 
fect maturity  it  answers  very  well  to  be  eaten  raw. 


IMPERIAL.  Pr.  cat. 

Imperial  oak  leaved.  Pr.  cat.  25  ed. 

Imperiale  d feuille  de  Chene.  Roz.  O.  Duh.  Coxe. 

Imperiale.  N.  Duh-  Die.  d’Agric. 

Oak  leaved. 

This  pear  is  two  inches  nine  lines  in  height,  and  two  inches 
three  lines  in  diameter ; it  is  rounded  at  the  head,  and  the  eye, 
which  is  small,  is  there  placed  almost  even  wdth  the  fruit ; the 
part  next  the  stalk  diminishes  almost  uniformly  in  size,  and  its 
extremity  is  obtuse ; the  stem  is  ten  lines  long,  pretty  large 
especially  at  its  origin,  and  inserted  in  the  centre  of  a flattened 
space ; the  skin,  which  is  at  first  green  and  very  even,  becomes 
wrinkled  when  it  approaches  maturity  and  by  degrees  attains 
a yellow  colour ; the  flesh  is  melting  and  of  a sweet  flavour ; 
the  seeds  are  large,  brown,  quite  perfect,  and  terminate  in  a 
long  point ; this  fruit  has  commonly  but  four  cells  ; it  ripens 
in  April  and  May,  and  although  it  is  not  deemed  excellent,  it 
has  some  merit  at  that  season  : the  tree  is  vigorous,  and  may 
be  ingrafted  on  the  pear  and  the  quince ; the  leaves  are  very 
large,  denticulated  without  much  regularity,  and  plaited  and 
undulated  on  their  borders  in  such  a manner  that  they  appear 
as  if  cut,  and  resemble  a small  leaf  of  frizzled  cabbage,  rather 
than  an  oak  leaf. 


PEARS. 


117 


FRENCH  POUND  PEAR.  Pk.  cat. 

Poire  de  livre,  Diih.  Mil.  ^ 

Pound  pear, 

Gros  Rateau  gris, 

Great  rake  pear, 

Poire  d' amour. 

Black  pear  of  Worcester, 

Parkinson’s  warden. 

This  fruit  from  the  similarity  of  title  has  been  in  many  cases 
supposed  to  be  synonymous  with  our  common  Pound  pear,  but 
it  is  widely  different,  as  a comparison  of  the  descriptions  will  in- 
dicate.  This  receives  its  name  from  the  circumstance  that  it  is 
not  rare  to  find  specimens  of  the  fruit  weighing  a pound.  Its 
form,  although  approaching  considerably  that  of  the  Catillacj 
is  nevertheless  different  from  it,  being  more  decidedly  turbi- 
nate; and  also  because  it  is  only  rounded  at  one  end,  the  other 
being  sensibly  depressed.  Its  height  is  three  inches  five  to  six 
lines,  and  its  greatest  diameter  three  inches  eight  lines — those 
of  small  size  are  four  to  six  lines  less  ; the  stem,  which  is  four- 
teen to  fifteen  lines  in  length,  is  inserted  in  a small  cavity,  one 
of  the  sides  of  which  is  more  elevated  than  the  other ; the 
skin  is  greenish,  and  becomes  yellow  at  maturity,  but  it  is 
often  so  abundantly  covered  with  grayish  spots  and  russet 
specks  that  the  ground  colour  is  only  partially  apparent ; the 
flesh  is  firm,  with  a little  acidity,  but  its  flavour  is  not  disagree- 
able. In  cooking  it  acquires  a faint  rosy  tint  and  a sweet 
taste,  which  greatly  improves  it  ; but  it  is  very  seldom  eaten 
raw.  The  seeds  are  brown  and  oblong,  and  the  fruit  ripens 
in  December  and  the  two  following  months.  The  two  last 
synonymes  adopted  by  Miller  I think  want  confirmation. 

TREASURE.  Pr.  cat. 

Poire  d’ amour.  Quin.?  N.  Duh.  I Tresor,  } O D ih 

Tresor  d’ amour.  Roz.  | Amour,  y ' 

Love  pear.  Evcl.  ? 

This  is  one  of  the  largest  fruits  of  its  class;  it  is  four  inches 
nine  lines  in  height  and  much  bulged  about  the  middle,  where 


118 


PEARS. 


It  is  usually  four  inches  in  diameter,  and  its  two  extremities 
are  contracted  nearly  in  the  same  proportion ; the  skin  is  a 
little  rough  to  the  touch,  and  at  first  of  a greenish  hue,  some- 
times it  is  marked  with  fawn  spots  that  become  proportionably 
apparent  as  the  fruit  approaches  maturity,  at  which  period  the 
green  becomes  changed  to  yellow  ; the  flesh  is  tender,  break- 
ing, half-melting  when  fully  ripe,  and  of  a sweet  and  bland 
flavour ; the  seeds,  which  are  contained  in  narrow  cells,  are 
most  generally  small  and  abortive  ; the  pear,  which  is  good 
raw  and  still  better  when  cooked,  begins  to  ripen  in  December, 
and  keeps  until  in  February  and  March. 


FORTY  OUNCES.  Pr.  cat. 

Quarante  onces.  N.  Duh.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

This  fruit  seems  to  have  been  so  little  known  about  Paris  at 
the  time  of  the  publication  of  the  last  edition  of  Duhamel,  in 
1825,  that  the  editors  of  that  work  acknowledge  their  indebt- 
edness to  a gentleman  of  Provence,  one  of  the  most  southern 
districts  of  France,  for  the  pears  which  enabled  them  to  make 
their  description,  and  which  they  say  had  not  yet  attained 
their  full  development — from  which  circumstance  we  may  con- 
fidently infer,  that  they  could  not  fully  judge  what  are  the  en- 
tire merits  of  the  variety  at  its  complete  maturity.  The  fol- 
lowing description  is  copied  from  the  work  referred  to. 

“ Of  all  the  varieties  this  would  be,  without  doubt,  the  larg- 
est, if  in  the  comparison  we  excepted  the  Treasure  pear,  or 
Poire  d’ amour  just  described, — and  the  title  which  it  bears  is 
particularly  indicative  of  its  magnitude  ; it  appears  necessary 
however  to  notice,  that  it  is  according  to  the  customary  pounds 
of  Provence  that  this  fruit  has  been  found  to  weigh  forty 
ounces,  and  even  more.  The  one  that  we  shall  proceed  to 
describe,  and  which  had  not  attained  its  full  growth,  weighed 
twenty-seven  and  a half  ounces  according  to  the  customary 
weight  at  Paris.  Its  general  form  was  turbinate,  being  four  inches 
and  a lialf  in  diameter,  and  four  inches  in  height ; its  surface 


PEARS. 


119 


was  raised  here  and  there  by  some  slight  projections  of  consi- 
derable breadth ; the  eye  was  placed  in  a broad  depression, 
with  a pretty  regular  border,  and  the  stem,  of  an  inch  in 
length,  was  placed  in  a cavity,  one  side  of  which  was  even, 
whilst  the  other  presented  two  large  protuberances  ; the  skin 
was  almost  wholly  a lemon  colour,  with  a faint  reddish  tint  on 
the  side  next  the  sun,  and  the  whole  surface  was  likewise  inter- 
spersed with  numerous  russet  specks ; the  flesh  w as  w hite, 
firm,  breaking,  granulated,  of  an  agreeable  odour,  with  an 
acid  flavour  which  scarcely  allowed  of  its  being  eaten  raw — 
when  cooked,  however,  it  acquires  a red  colour,  and  a sweet 
and  very  pleasant  flavour ; the  seeds  are  dark  brown,  and 
nearly  always  abortive.  This  elegant  fruit  is  cultivated  in 
Provence,  where  it  ripens  in  October  and  November,  and  will 
doubtless  keep  well  and  become  meliorated  in  its  quality  dur- 
ing the  winter  months.  The  proprietors  of  the  Parisian  nur- 
series are  advised  to  cultivate  it  on  account  of  its  size,  which 
renders  it  a suitable  ornament  for  the  dessert,  and  on  account 
of  its  excellence  when  cooked.  A single  pear  is  large  enough 
to  make  a compote.” 


BELLE  AUDIBERT.  Pr.  cat.  N.  Duh.  Lond.  kort.  cat. 

This  pear  was  also  sent  from  Provence  to  the  editors  of  the 
New  Duhamel,  as  a variety  of  the  Forty  ounces,  or  Quarante- 
oncesjust  described;  but  it  appeared  of  too  distinct  a charac- 
ter, in  its  general  form,  not  to  be  distinguished,  and  they  in 
consequence  gave  it  the  title  it  bears. 

It  varies  from  the  Forty  ounces  by  being  less  in  size  and 
pretty  regularly  rounded — in  having  its  surface  free  from  nu- 
merous swellings  and  projections,  and  by  being  somewhat  com- 
pressed in  its  breadth ; it  is  four  inches  wanting  a line  in  its 
diameter  in  one  direction,  and  only  three  inches  three  lines  in 
the  other ; its  height  is  also  but  three  inches  one  or  tw  o lines  ; 
the  skin  is  a very  pale  yellow  on  the  shaded  side,  and  the  part 
opposite  is  of  a light  orange  colour,  with  two  or  three  oblong 
touches  of  russet ; the  flesh  is  firm,  breaking,  granulated,  of 


1*20 


PEARS. 


an  agreeable  odour,  and  an  acid  flavour  like  that  of  the  Forty 
ounces,  and  it  is  likewise  very  good  when  cooked  ; this  fruit 
begins  to  ripen  in  the  month  of  November. 


BELLE  BESSA.  N.  Dun. 

This  pear  is  very  beautiful,  and  measures  four  inches  in 
height,  and  three  inches  at  its  greatest  diameter,  which  is  nearly 
at  the  middle  of  its  height,  as  the  two  extremities  diminish 
very  perceptibly,  especially  that  next  the  stem,  which  is  in- 
serted somewhat  obliquely  in  a pretty  deep  cavity,  surrounded 
by  protuberances  ; the  eye  is  likewise  placed  in  a depression, 
whose  border  is  rendered  uneven  by  projections — in  general 
the  circumference  of  the  fruit  is  not  perfectly  round ; the  skin 
is  a very  light  green,  faintly  approaching  yellow  at  full  matu- 
rity, and  interspersed  by  some  small  russet  specks  ; the  flesh 
is  somewhat  firm,  bland,  and  agreeable,  without  being  very 
high  flavoured,  and  the  fruit  ripens  in  November  and  De- 
cember. 

It  is  remarked  in  the  New  Duhamel,  that  this  pear  is  of  late 
origin,  and  not  having  been  previously  named  by  any  cultiva- 
tor, the  editors  dedicated  it  to  M.  Bessa  as  a testimony  of  satis- 
faction for  the  assiduity  evinced  by  him  *in  the  completion  of 
the  designs  of  that  work. 


ANGLETERRE  D’HIVER.  Roz.  Duh.  Pr.  cat. 

This  pear,  well  known  around  Paris  by  the  French  title 
above,  must,  if  its  origin  is  correctly  indicated  by  its  name, 
be  doubtless  synonymous  with  some  one  of  the  English  pears 
known  to  us  by  a difi’erent  appellation. 

In  the  New  Duhamel  it  is  described  as  being  of  a very  re- 
gular pyramidal  form,  with  the  head  rounded,  and  measuring 
three  inches  and  six  or  eight  lines  in  height,  and  thirty-one  to 
thirty-two  lines  in  its  greatest  diameter  ; the  stem,  which  is 
fifteen  lines  in  length,  is  situated  even  with  the  fruit,  and  the 


TEARS. 


121 


eye  is  inserted  in  a broad  cavity,  slightly  excavated ; the  skin, 
which  is  at  first  light  green,  becomes  of  a lemon  colour  at  full 
maturity,  the  part  exposed  to  the  sun’s  influence  sometimes  ac- 
quires a faint  red  tint, — it  is ’likewise  wholly  scattered  over 
with  small  russet  specks  ; the  flesh  is’ firm,  dry  or  without  much 
juice,  possessing  a very  slight  acidity  of  flavour,  scarcely 
musky,  and  in  general  not  very  agreeable,  but  when  cooked  it 
is  far  better ; rift  seeds  are  very  oblong,  dark  brown,  and  often 
abortive  ; the  centre  around  which  their  cells  are  placed  is  hol- 
low ; the  fruit  does  not  ripen  before  the  month  of  April,  and 
keeps  until  in  July  without  getting  soft,  but  becomes  much 
wrinkled. 

The  pear  described  in  the  first  edition  of  Duhamel  by  the 
same  name,  appears  to  differ  from  this  in  several  quite  distinct 
traits,  and  especially  in  the  quality  of  its  flesh ; for  in  that  pub- 
lication it  is  stated  to  ripen  in  December,  January,  and  Febru- 
ary, to  be  very  buttery,  without  astringency,  quite  bland  and 
agreeable,  and  to  become  mealy  when  the  period  of  its  per- 
fection is  past,  and  soon  gets  soft.  Touching  other  points  to 
be  considered,  the  pear  first  described  has  no  other  affinities 
with  the  Common  English  pear,  or  U Angleterre-ordinairey 
which  ripens  in  September,  than  a slight  resemblance  in  its 
form,  and  it  may  be  perceived  by  the  descriptions  that  in  other 
respects  these  two  fruits  are  evidently  distinct  from  each  other. 


SARASIN.  Pr.  cat.  Roz.  Dun. 

Sarrazin. 

This  pear  is  oblong,  with  but  little  regularity  of  form, 
somewhat  contracted  next  the  head,  where  the  eye  is  situated 
even  with  the  fruit ; it  is  thirty  lines  in  height,  and  twenty-two 
in  diameter ; the  stem  is  large,  and  six  to  ten  lines  in  length  ; 
the  skin,  on  the  shaded  side,  is  at  first  green,  but  becomes  pale 
yellow  at  maturity — the  side  next  the  sun  is  tinged  with  brown- 
ish red,  and  strewed  with  gray  dots  ; the  flesh  is  almost  melt- 
ing, of  a sweet,  rich,  and  partially  perfumed  flavour  ; tlie  seeds 

16 


122 


PEARS. 


are  long,  pointed,  not  well  matured,  and  of  a black  hue  ; this 
fruit  is  excellent  to  cook  or  to  form  compotes^  and  will  keep 
from  one  year  to  the  other.  Duhamel  himself  states  that  in  the 
month  of  November,  when  he  m*ade  his  description,  there  were 
still  some  remaining  of  the  previous  year  that  were  in  a very 
sound  and  perfect  condition,  and  which  could  yet  be  kept  a 
long  time,  and  at  the  period  named,  they  were  very  palatable. 
Duhamel  adds,  that  there  are  few  pears  which  »o  highly  merit 
cultivation  as  this  variety. 


AMBllETTE.  Quin.  Roz.  Tourn.  Duh.  Mil.  For. 

. Amhret,  Amhrette,  Winter  Amhret.  Evel. 

Trompe-valet^  of  some  countries  according  to  Quintinye. 
Cheat-servant,  synonyme  according  to  Evelyn. 

Amhrette  d’hiver,  ^ 

Ambrette  a\ec  epines,  § 

Amhrette  d’hiver  avec  epines,  \ of  various  collections. 
Amhrette  grise,  t 

Thorny  Amhrette,  j 

The  first  notice  I have  found  of  this  fine  pear  is  in  the  works 
of  the  celebrated.  De  la  Quintinye,  published  about  the  year 
1690.  He  enumerates  three  varieties  of  the  Ambrette,  viz. 

The  Ambrette,  ripe  in  November,  December,  and  January,  a very 
good  pear. 

The  Ambrette  of  Bourgeuil,  or  Graville,  ripe  the  thirteenth  of 
October,  an  indifferent  pear. 

The  thornless  Ambrette,  ripe  in  November,  an  indifferent  pear. 

It  is  the  first  of  these  that  is  the  subject  of  the  present  arti- 
cle, and  strange  as  it  may  appear,  the  other  two  are  not  des- 
cribed by  either  Duhamel,  Rozier,  Miller,  or  Forsyth,  or 
noticed  in  the  Jardin  Fruitier,  or  Bon  Jardinier.  This  fine 
fruit  is  said  to  have  derived  its  title  from  its  musky  odour, 
which  has  a strong  affinity  to  that  of  the  Sweet  Sultan  flower, 
called  in  France  Ambrette. 

In  the  description  given  by  De  la  Quintinye,  after  first  re- 


PEARS. 


123 


marking  that  the  Ambret  or  Ambrette  and  the  L’  Echasserie 
bear  considerable  resemblance  to  each  other,  he  proceeds  to 
comment  on  the  differences  that  exist  between  them.  The 
Ambrette,  he  states,  is  in  point  of  shape  a little  flatter,  and  its 
eye  sunk  in  a cavity,  whereas  the  L’  Echasserie  has  its  eye  or 
crown  quite  jetting  out ; their  size  is  similar,  and  they  resem- 
ble each  other  likewise  in  colour,  though  the  former  is  com- 
monly of  a deeper  and  ruddier  hue,  and  the  latter  lighter  and 
yellower,  more  especially  when  it  becomes  fully  ripe.  They 
are  also  nearly  alike  in  their  stems,  and  ripen  at  the  same  pe- 
riod. They  greatly  assimilate  in  the  delicious  qualities  of  the 
fruit  when  at  maturity,  in  which  respect  however  the  L’  Es- 
chasserie  partially  surpasses  the  other.  The  flesh  of  the  Am- 
brette is  sometimes  rather  more  of  a greenish  hue,  its  seeds 
blacker  and  in  large  cells,  and  its  skin  is  usually  a little  more 
rough  to  the  touch. 

The  L’ Echasserie  is  occasionally  knobbed  or  warty,  but 
it  is  the  wood  which  presents  the  most  striking  distinction,  that 
of  the  Ambrette  being  extremely  thorny  and  prickly,  precisely 
like  the  wild  trees  seen  in  the  hedges,  which  is  not  the  case 
with  the  other ; for  although  it  shoots  out  some  points,  they 
are  not  however  sufiiciently  sharp  to  prick  the  fingers  as  those 
of  the  Ambrette  will  do.  M.  De  la  Quintinye  further  re- 
marks, that  the  L’ Echasserie  had  not  made  its  appearance 
above  twenty  years,  but  that  the  Ambrette  was  already  of  an- 
cient standing. 

I will  now  proceed  to  give  the  description  of  it  according 
to  Duhamel  and  Rozier. 

The  shoots  of  the  Ambrette  tree  are  short,  straight,  and 
perfectly  round,  of  a light  grayish  green  hue  where  shaded, 
and  a gridelin  colour  next  the  sun  ; the  buds  are  large,  round- 
ed, very  acute,  turned  off  from  the  branch,  the  base  that  sup- 
ports them  projecting  but  slightly  ; the  leaves  are  of  medium 
size,  not  indented,  but  furrowed  or  wrinkled  ; the  flower  con- 
sists of  oval  })etals,  hollowed  in  the  manner  of  a spoon,  and 
the  summits  of  the  stamens  are  light  purple  mingled  with 
white  ; the  fruit  is  two  inches  in  diameter,  and  twenty-five  lines 


124 


PEARS. 


in  height ; its  form  is  rounded,  and  inclining  to  oval,  dimi- 
nishing a little  towards  the  stem,  which  is  large,  nine  lines  in 
length,  and  inserted  in  a very  small  cavity,  whose  circumfer- 
ence is  swollen  by  some  small  protuberances  ; the  head  is  very 
round,  and  the  eye  is  placed  in  a slight  depression  surrounded 
by  some  small  projections  ; the  skin  is  whitish,  and  sometimes 
grayish,  according  to  the  soils ; the  flesh  is  greenish  white, 
melting,  and  of  a sweet,  rich,  and  very  pleasant  flavour  ; the 
seeds  are  black  and  contained  in  broad  cells,  and  the  fruit  be- 
gins to  ripen  in  November,  but  keeps  well  till  in  February ; 
the  branches  are  thorny,  and  the  tree  may  be  propagated  on 
the  pear,  but  better  on  the  quince.  It  delights  in  a dry  warm 
soil,  with  a good  exposition,  and  succeeds  better  as  a standard 
than  as  a dwarf ; in  wet  and  cold  soils  the  fruit  is  far  inferior 
to  that  produced  in  more  favourable  situations. 


ECHASSERY.  Pr.  cat.  Mil.  N.  Duh. 


Vechasserie.  Coxe.  Pr.  cat.  25  ed. 

Ambrette.  Coxe.  Fes.  Amer.  Card,  and  many  Amer.  gardens. 
Bezy  de  Chassery.  Duh.  syn.  Mil.  syn. 

Eschussery.  For. 


Leschasserie, 

Verte  longue  d’hyver 
Besidery,  Sundry . Quin. 


Quin.  Evel.  Mil. 


Evel. 


Echasserie,  or  Bezi  de  Chasseri. 
Winter  green  long.  Evel. 
Winter  long  green.  Mil.  syn. 
Wilding  of  Echassery. 

Yat  or  Yut  pear. 

Besidery  Landry , . 

Landry  wilding,  ) 

Tilton,  of  New- Jersey. 


Roz. 


Mil.  syn. 


The  shoots  of  this  tree  are  very  slender,  bending  at  every 
joint,  very  much  speckled  (tiqiieU),  gray  on  one  side,  and  of 
a greenish  gray  on  the  other ; the  buds  moderately  large, 
longish,  pointed,  turned  off  from  the  branch,  and  have  a small 
and  very  slightly  projecting  base  ; the  leaves  are  long,  narrow, 
somewhat  wrinkled  or  furrowed,  indented  very  partially,  but 


PEARS. 


125 


coarsely ; the  flower  is  formed  of  oblong  petals,  each  some- 
what hollowed  or  spoon-shaped,  and  terminating  in  a plicate 
or  plaited  point;  the  fruit  is  round,  approaching  to  oval,  and 
diminishes  in  size  towards  the  stalk,  considerably  resembling 
the  Ambrette ; it  is  generally  two  inches  in  diameter,  and 
twenty-nine  lines  in  height,  but  sometimes  it  measures  no  more 
in  one  direction  than  in  the  other  ; the  stem  is  large,  eight  to 
fifteen  lines  long,  inserted  in  a small  cavity,  which  is  commonly 
surrounded  with  some  small  protuberances ; the  part  next  the 
head  is  perfectly  round,  and  the  eye  is  there  placed  even  with 
the  fruit  ; the  skin  is  a whitish  green,  but  becomes  of  a yel- 
lowish hue  at  maturity ; the  flesh  is  melting,  of  a sweet,  musky, 
and  very  agreeable  flavour ; the  seeds  are  brown,  and  the  fruit 
ripens  in  November,  December,  and  January  ; the  tree  may 
be  ingrafted  upon  either  the  pear  or  the  quince ; it  is  produc- 
tive and  soon  begins  to  bear  fruit. 

I have  examined  the  subject  very  minutely,  and  have  ascer- 
tained decidedly  that  this  is  the  Ambrette  pear  of  Coxe’s  w^ork, 
a fruit  of  great  excellence  and  held  in  the  highest  estimation. 
The  only  difference  he  speaks  of  is  in  regard  to  the  indenture 
of  the  leaf,  and  on  this  point  I find  he  fell  into  an  error  in  his 
description,  for  all  the  trees  that  I have  seen  or  heard  of,  that 
have  been  obtained  from  New-Jersey  as  the  Ambrette  or  Tilton 
pear,  have  indented  leaves,  and  this  fact,  with  the  circumstance 
of  their  being  devoid  of  sharp  thorns,  settles  the  question  of 
identity  satisfactorily. 

BESI  DE  CAISSOY.  Pk.  cat.  N.  Dun. 

Bezy  de  Caissoy.  Roz.  O.  Duh.  Mil.  For.  Coxe. 

Besi  de  Caissoy.  Q,uin.  Evel.  Mil. 

Bezy  de  Ques soy.  Jard.  fruit. 

Roussel  d" Anjou.  Quin.  Evel. 

Rousseite  d' Anjou.  Roz.  syn.  Duh.  syn.  Mil.  s^n. 

Rouselet  d* Anjou. 

Wilding  of  Cassoy^  'I 

Petite  heucre  dliiver^  > Mil.  syn.  and  others. 

Small  winter  butter  pear,  ) 

This  pear  is  round  and  partially  flattened  at  the  head,  being 


126 


pears; 


only  seventeen  lines  in  heijrht,  by  nineteen  in  diameter ; the 
eye  is  small  and  very  slightly  sunk  ; the  stem  is  straight,  six 
lines  in  length,  and  inserted  in  a cavity  which  is  deep  and 
broad  in  proportion  to  the  size  of  the  fruit ; the  skin  is  green, 
changing  to  yellow  at  full  maturity,  but  it  is  so  much  covered 
with  brown  spots  that  one  distinguishes  but  little  of  the  ground 
colour  ; the  flesh  is  melting,  sweet,  and  perfumed  ; the  seeds 
are  black,  small,  and  frequently  abortive,  and  the  fruit  ripens 
in  November.  The  tree  cannot  be  propagated  successfully 
on  the  quince,  and  even  upon  the  pear  stock  it  is  quite  delicate 
and  not  very  vigorous  in  light  soils ; it  requires  to  be  planted 
in  a fresh  and  rather  strong  soil.  When  the  earth  is  of  a 
character  that  suits  it  in  all  respects,  it  yields  abundance  ot 
fruit,  which  is  produced  in  clusters. 

This  variety  takes  its  name  of  Besi  de  Caissoy  or  Wilding 
of  Caisso}^  from  a forest  of  Brittany,  where  it  was  discovered, 
and  where  it  passes  under  the  title  of  Roussette  d’ Anjou. 


DUTCHESS  OF  AXGOULEME.  Pom.  mag.  Pr.  cat. 

Dutchesse  dWngouUme.  of  most  publications. 

This  fine  fruit,  introduced  some  years  since  to  our  country 
from  Holland,  France,  and  England,  is  recorded  to  have  been 
discovered  growing  in  a wild  state  in  a hedge  near  Antwerp. 
Its  form  and  appearance  are  very  much  that  of  a Boiichretien. 
The  Bornological  Magazine  gives  the  following  details  in  re- 
gard to  it. 

“This  is  the  very  finest  of  the  late  autumn  pears,  and  ripens 
at  the  end  of  November.  It  is  remarkable,  not  only  for  its 
excellence,  but  also  for  its  irregular  knobby  surface,  covered 
with  broad  patches  of  brown,  by  which  it  is  readily  known. 
It  arrives  at  a weight  quite’unusual  in  pears  that  are  fit  for  the 
dessert — specimens  from  the  island  of  Jersey  having  been  seen 
weighing  twenty-two  ounces;  and  in  1827,  a fruit  ripened  in 
the  garden  of  the  London  Horticultural  Society  weighing 


PEARS. 


127 


nineteen  ounces.  The  form  of  the  fruit  is  roundish-oblong, 
tapering  towards  the  stalk,  with  an  extremely  uneven  surface, 
usually  measuring  about  three  and  a half  Inches  each  way,  but 
sometimes  much  larger  ; stalk  and  eye  deeply  sunk  ; skin  dull 
yellow,  copiously  and  irregularly  spotted  with  broad  russet 
patches;  flesh  rich,  melting,  very  juicy,  and  high-flavoured, 
with  a most  agreeable  perfume  ; wood  yellowish,  covered  with 
white  spots ; leaves  ovate,  middle-sized ; the  flowers  open 
early,  and  their  petals  are  oval  or  somewhat  obovate.” 


PRINCESS -OF  ORANGE.  Pom.  mag.  Pr.  cat. 

Princesse  d^Orange,  of  most  publications. 

The  Pomological  Magazine  gives  the  following  description 
of  this  variety. 

“It  was  raised  in  1802  by  the  Compte  de  Coloma  ; it  is  in 
perfection  in  October,  and  from  the  great  beauty,  as  well  as 
good  quality  of  its  fruit,  is  strongly  recommended  to  notice 
as  a valuable  autumn  pear.  From  its  not  opening  its  blos- 
soms early,  it  is  less  exposed  to  spring  frosts  than  many  kinds. 

“The  wood  is  reddish  brown,  with  small  round  white  spots; 
leaves  ovate,  rather  sharply  serrated  ; stipules  nearly  as  long 
as  the  petioles ; flowers  white,  rather  below  the  middle  size ; 
fruit  roundish  turbinate,  about  the  size  of  a White  Beurre ; 
stalk  rather  short,  seated  in  a shallow  cavity  ; skin  a bright 
reddish  orange  russet ; flesh  yellowish  white,  sugary,  and  rich  ; 
it  is  in  some  seasons  perfectly  melting,  but  occasionally  is  a 
little  gritty.” 


CAPIAUMONT.  Pom.  mag.  Pr.  cat. 

Beurre  de  Capiaumont. 

Cassiomont.  Fes.  Arncr.  Gardener. 

Of  this  fruit  I have  trees  at  my  establishment  from  four  or 
live  different  sources  ; there  appears  to  be  among  them  two 


128 


PEARS. 


distinct  varieties.  The  London  Horticultural  Society  also 
received  three  erroneous  varieties  under  this  name.  The  ge- 
nuine one  is  that  which  is  described  in  the  Pomological  Maga- 
zine as  follows. 

“ One  of  the  best  of  the  varieties  raised  in  Flanders  and 
stated  to  owe  its  origin  to  M.  Capiaumont  of  Mons.  A most 
delicious  fruit,  ripening  in  the  middle  of  October,  and  keeping 
for  a fortnight  or  more.  It  is  of  middle  size,  turbinate,  regu- 
larly tapering  into  the  stalk ; eye  not  at  all  sunken,  but  level 
with  the  surface  of  the  extremity  ; skin  a fine  clear  cinnamon, 
fading  into  yellow  in  the  shade,  and  acquiring  a rich  bright 
red  in  the  sun  ; flesh  yellowish,  melting,  buttery,  very  rich  and 
high  flavoured ; wood  clear  reddish  brown,  sprinkled  with 
white  spots ; leaves  oblong,  narrow,  much  folded,  and  recurv- 
ed, with  very  fine  serratures ; stipules  linear,  and  about  the 
length  of  the  petiole.” 

BELLE  ET  BONNE,  Pom.  mag. 

Schone  und  Gute,  Taachenbuch. 

This  is  described  to  be  a harvest  pear,  ripe  in  September, 
magnificent,  large,  round,  very  good  and  productive,  and  the 
Pomological  Magazine  remarks  that  it  answers  this  description 
perfectly,  with  the  addition,  that  much  as  the  autumn  pears 
have  been  improved,  this  ranks  among  the  very  best  of  them. 
It  is  deemed  a delicious  Bergamot  variety,  possessing  the  very 
best  qualities.  It  has  in  some  cases  been  erroneously  culti- 
vated in  Europe,  and  possibly  in  this  country,  under  the  names 
of  Charles  d’Autriche,  Bergamotte  Crasane,  and  Belle  de 
Bruxelles,  by  which  latter  title  it  is  often  called  in  England. 

The  wood  is  very  vigorous,  short  jointed,  dark  olive  Co- 
lour, with  numerous  dark  brown  spots ; leaves  deep  green, 
nearly  entire,  oval-lanceolate  ; stipules  subulate,  about  half 
the  length  of  the  petiole  ; flowers  middle-sized,  petals  obovate ; 
fruit  very  large,  globular,  depressed,  with  a large  deeply 
sunken  eye  ; stalk  long,  deeply  iii;»erted  ; skin  yellowish  on  the 


PEAKS. 


129 


sunny  side,  with  numerous  small  russet  brown  spots ; flesh 
white,  sweet,  perfumed,  exceedingly  rich  and  agreeable. 

CHIO.  Mil.  For. 

Little  Bastard  Musk,  Mil.  For. 

This  pear  Miller  describes  as  being  much  like  the  Little  Musk, 
but  smaller,  and  the  fruit  not  often  hanging  in  clusters  ; the 
skin,  when  the  fruit  is  ripe,  has  a few  streaks  of  red  next  the 
sun.  I think  this  a very  dubious  variety.  Forsyth  only  co- 
pies Miller. 


ASHTON  TOWN.  Hook.  pom.  lond.  Pr.  cat. 

This  pear  has  some  similarity  to  the  Swan’s-egg,  but  tapers 
more  towards  the  stalk,  and  is  somewhat  flattened  at  the  other 
end  ; the  colour  is  greenish  yellow,  spotted  with  russet,  and  it 
has  a few  large  spots  of  dark  brown  when  fully  ripe  ; the  flesh 
is  melting,  perfumed,  and  high  flavoured,  but  sometimes  a little 
gritty ; it  ripens  in  November,  but  will  not  keep  long. 


FLOWERED  AUTUMN  MUSCAT. 


Knoop  pom.  For. 


Muscat  d long  queue  d’automne, 
hong  stalked  muscat  of  the  autumn, 
Muscat fleuri.  Mil.  erroneously. 


I 


Mil. 


This  is  described  by  European  authors  as  an  excellent  pear, 
of  a medium  size,  round,  and  of  a dark  red  colour ; the  flesh 
very  tender,  and  of  a delicate  flavour ; it  ripens  in  October. 
Miller  confuses  this  with  the  true  Muscat-fleuri  of  the  French, 
which  ripens  in  August,  and  I should  not  wonder  if  this  des- 
cription refers  to  the  Muscat-Royal. 

17 


130 


PEARfc. 


U VEDALE’S  ST.  GERMAIN.  Pe.  cat.  Mil.  For. 

Union.  Mil.  For. 

This  is  a very  large  long  pear,  of  a deep  green  colour, 
sometimes  becoming  red  next  the  sun  as  it  approaches  matu- 
rity. It  is  not  suitable  for  eating,  but  is  a good  baking  pear, 
and  the  tree  being  a great  bearer,  the  fruit  very  large,  and  in 
season  for  use  from  December  to  April,  it  merits  to  be  in  every 
collection. 


• FORELLE.  Pr.  cat.  Pom.  mag. 

Forellen-hirne.  Diel,  Pomol.  Christ. 

Poire  Truite,  of  the  French. 

Trout  pear. 

Dr.  Diel  makes  the  following  remarks  in  regard  to  this  pear. 

Long  as  I have  collected  fruits  and  searched  the  gardens 
in  the  neighbourhood  of  the  Rhine  for  French  varieties,  I have 
found  none  like  the  Forellen-birne.  We  may  therefore  proudly 
call  this  a national  fruit,  which  most  probably  originated  in 
Northern  Saxony.  It  is  a real  addition  to  our  stock  of  au- 
tumn pears,  and  may  compete  with  the  best  French  dessert 
kinds,  ripening  at  the  same  period,  and  far  surpassing  them  in 
the  length  of  its  keeping  in  perfection,  and  in  its  beauty.” 

The  Pomological  Magazine  in  referring  to  these  remarks 
says,  that  this  variety  merits  the  eulogium  in  all  respects,  it 
being  a most  beautiful  fruit,  and  its  quality  equal  to  its  ap- 
pearance. It  has  obtained  its  titles  of  Forelle,  Truite,  or 
Trout  pear  from  a fancied  resemblance  between  the  specks 
and  colour  of  its  skin  and  those  of  the  fish  so  called. 

In  England  its  period  of  ripening  is  stated  to  be  from  No- 
vember to  January;  it  never  shrivels,  but  remains  quite  melt- 
ing and  firm,  until  its  period  of  decay  arrives  ; the  tree  is  very 
vigorous,  and  grows  upright ; the  leaves  are  small,  nearly  flat, 
with  the  apex  a little  recurved,  and  slightly  woolly  above  ; 


PEARS. 


131 


those  on  the  fruit  spurs  are  larger  than  the  others  ; fruit  rather 
below  the  middle  size,  not  very  constant  in  form,  but  usually 
obovate,  and  more  or  less  elongated ; eye  rather  shallow  ; skin 
when  fresh  gathered,  green  on  one  side  and  red  on  the  other, 
changing  to  a deep  rich  sanguine  hue,  speckled  with  grayish 
ocellate,  broad  spots  next  the  sun,  and  a clear  lemon  on  the 
other  side  ; flesh  white,*  juicy,  buttery,  with  a rich  aromatic, 
subacid,  vinous  flavour. 


MARIE  LOUISE.  Pr.  cat,  Pom.  mag. 

This  variety  was  reared  from  seed  by  Dr.  Van  Mons,  of 
Brussels,  and  having  been  introduced  some  years  since  to  this 
country,  has  now  become  very  considerably  disseminated. 

The  Pomological  Magazine  remarks,  that  in  England  the 
high  opinion  that  was  entertained  on  its  first  reception  in  re- 
gard to  its  good  qualities,  has  been  amply  confirmed  by  expe- 
rience, and  that  it  has  been  found  one  of  the  most  valuable 
autumn  pears,  resisting  the  inclemencies  of  a severe  climate, 
and  appearing  capable  of  affording  a certain  crop  under  what- 
ever circumstances  it  may  be  placed.  In  flavour  and  beauty 
it  has  scarcely  a superior,  and  in  unfavourable  seasons  and 
situations,  when  other  pears  failed  to  acquire  their  accustomed 
flavour,  this  has  been  found  to  attain  it  fully  as  well  as  its 
usual  size  and  colour. 

The  Magazine  referred  to  further  remarks,  that  there  can  be 
scarcely  any  doubt  but  that  the  pear  mentioned  in  Loudon’s 
Magazine,  vol.  iii.  p.  353,  under  the  name  of  the  Forme  de 
Marie  Louise  is  the  same  as  this;  the  appearance  of  the  fruit 
from  standards  and  walls  being  so  different,  as  to  Justify  any 
person  unacquainted  with  the  habits  of  the  variety,  in  con- 
sidering them  distinct. 

It  ought  to  be  in  every  collection,  however  limited  or  select ; 
it  ripens  in  the  middle  of  October,  and  keeps  till  the  end  of 
November ; the  shoots  are  moderately  strong,  rather  dark  co- 
loured, with  dull  brown  spots ; the  leaves  which  arc  about  the 
middle  of  the  young  shoots,  are  ovate,  somewhat  acuminate, 


TEAKS. 


13^ 

the  margin  being  shai'ply  pointed  but  not  with  deep  serratures ; 
the  petioles  of  these  are  about  an  inch  in  length ; the  leaves 
near  the  base  of  the  shoots,  and  particularly  at  the  spurs,  have 
very  long  slender  petioles,  so  that  they  have  a very  straggling 
appearance,  twisting  and  facing  to  various  directions ; the 
leaves  are  there  flat,  elliptical,  with  the  margin  entire ; the 
flowers  are  middle-size  with  obovate  petals  ; fruit  varying  from 
medium  to  large  according  to  circumstances,  oblong,  tapering 
from  the  middle  towards  both  ends,  the  lower  of  which  is  ob- 
tuse and  the  upper  oblique,  with  a permanent  projecting  calyx; 
stalk  more  than  an  inch  long  ; skin  in  the  most  favourable 
situations  and  circumstances  nearly  smooth,  w ith  a little  cin- 
namon coloured  russet  upon  a light  yellow  ish  green  ground, 
but  it  has  much  more  russet  and  browai  in  other  cases  ; flesh 
white,  exceedingly  juicy,  melting,  buttery,  and  rich.  There 
is  said  to  have  been  an  erroneous  variety  sent  to  this  country 
from  Europe  under  this  name. 


WINTER  NELIS.  P031.  3iag,  Pr.  cat. 


Nelis  d’hyver,  of  many  Flemish  and  English  gardens. 

La  bonne  Malinoise,  ) c • ui-  .• 
o a -LT  1'  > of  various  publications. 

Bonne  de  Malmes,  S ^ 


The  Pomological  Magazine  describes  this  as  follow's  : 

“ An  excellent  winter  pear,  in  perfection  in  December  and 
January,  originally  raised  by  M.  Nelis,  of  Mecklin,  in  honour 
of  whom  it  was  named,  but  before  its  title  was  settled  it  had 
acquired  the  other  appellations  above  stated. 

“ It  bears  pretty  well ; the  fruit  is  of  very  high  quality,  and 
is  expected  to  become  a favourite  of  the  dessert ; by  some  it 
is  deemed  superior  to  theChaumontelle,  w hich  is  a high  charac- 
ter ; the  wood  is  moderately  strong,  yellowish,  sprinkled  with 
some  small  pale  browm  dots  ; leaves  middle-sized,  elliptical- 
ovate,  tapering  regularly  to  each  end,  somewhat  recurved  on 
the  midrib,  the  margins  nearly  entire;  petiole  long  and  slender; 
stipules  linear ; flow'ers  middle-sized,  petals  obovate,  tapering 


133 


PEARS. 

to  the  claw  ; fruit  middle-sized,  or  rather  large,  obovate,  some- 
what obtuse  at  the  stalk,  which  is  upwards  of  an  inch  long, 
and  moderately  thick  ; eye  generally  open,  but  sometimes  par- 
tially closed  by  the  collapsing  segments  of  the  calyx  ; skin 
yellowish,  sometimes  nearly  covered  with  russet  brown  ; flesh 
yellowish,  melting,  buttery,,  juicy,  very  rich,  and  high  fla- 
voured.” 


FLEMISH  BEAUTY.  Pom.  mag.  Pr.  cat. 

La  belle  de  Flandres, 

Imperatrice  de  la  France, 

Fondante  de  hois, 

Bouche  nouvelle. 

Brilliant, 

This  variety  has  only  been  recently  introduced  to  our  coun- 
try, and  in  consequence  is  but  partially  disseminated.  It  is 
one  of  the  best  pears  in  point  of  quality,  and  bears  abun- 
dantly ; its  size  and  appearance  are  much  in  its  favour,  and  it 
is  expected  to  become  an  important  appendage  to  the  list  of 
esteemed  fruits.  The  Pomological  Magazine  describes  it  thus : 

“ It  is  a large-sized,  greenish  russet,  handsome  kind,  ripen- 
ing in  October,  and  keeping  for  a month  or  two  ; it  has  the 
remarkable  property  of  improving  more  if  gathered  before  it 
is  quite  ripe,  than  if  fully  mature  when  taken  from  the  tree. 
In  the  latter  case  it  is  apt  to  acquire  a kind  of  anise  scent 
which  is  not  agreeable ; in  the  former,  it  becomes  perfectly 
melting  and  rich,  without  any  such  flavour.  The  wood  is 
spreading,  moderately  strong,  reddish  brown,  with  numerous 
reddish  spots ; leaves  middle-sized,  ovate,  tapering  to  the  point, 
slightly  serrated  ; petioles  rather  long  and  slender  ; stipules 
linear ; flowers  middle-sized  and  early ; fruit  large,  obovate, 
obtuse  at  the  stalk,  which  is  nearly  an  inch  long,  and  mode- 
rately thick  ; eye  open,  and  placed  in  a slight  depression  ; skin 
russet,  tinged  with  a crimson  red  next  the  sun,  the  shaded  side 
greenish  yellow  ; flesh  rather  firm,  yellowish  white,  sweet,  rich, 
melting,  and  excellent.  It  must  be  gathered  while  it  adhere.^ 


f Loud.  Hort.  cat.  and  other 
t publications. 


134 


PEARS!. 


yet  firmly  to  the  tree — this  is  the  only  way  to  have  it  really  in 
perfection,  for  if  suffered  to  ripen  fully  on  the  tree,  it  is  a poor 
variety.  It  decays  externally  before  it  gives  way  at  the  core.” 

MUSCAT  ROYE.  Calvel.  Die.  d’Agric. 

This  is  a small  fruit,  of  oblong  form ; the  skin  rough  to  the 
touch,  of  a yellowish  green  on  the  shaded  side,  and  of  a plea- 
sant red  next  the  sun  ; the  flesh  is  breaking  and  perfumed ; the 
tree  is  vigorous,  and  the  fruit  is  at  maturity  at  the  end  of 
August. 


TROMPE  CASSAIRE.  Die.  d’Agric. 

According  to  an  account  of  M.  Lardier,  this  variety  is  cul- 
tivated in  the  environs  of  Aix.  It  is  an  early  fruit,  of  medium 
she,  round  and  green,  with  a long  stem ; the  flesh  delicate, 
with  rather  pleasant  juice  when  it  is  not  too  ripe,  and  the  tree 
bears  abundantly. 


SUMMER  FRANXREAL..  Pom.  mag. 

Francreid  d'ete.  Diel’s  Pom.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

Fondante.  Knoop  Pomol. 

Gros  Micet  d’ete,  of  some  French  gardens. 

This  pear  is  figured  in  the  Pomological  Magazine,  and  des- 
cribed as  follows  : 

“ A valuable  variety,  destitute  of  the  hardness  of  the  Bon- 
chretien,  and  of  the  muskiness  of  many  French  pears  of  its 
season.  It  is  a very  hardy,  healthy,  free  growing  tree,  and  a 
great  bearer,  ripening  its  fruit  in  the  middle  of  September. 

“ Wood  greenish-yellow,  brown,  sprinkled  with  a few  pale- 
brown  spots ; leaves  large,  ovate,  somewhat  cordate,  acumi- 
nate, almost  entire  at  the  margin,  when  young  very  woolly ; 
petioles  upwards  of  an  inch  long,  rather  slender ; stipules 


riiAltjy. 


135 


long,  linear ; llowers  small,  petals  roundish,  with  a long  claw ; 
fruit  rather  large,  turbinate,  thickest  about  two-thirds  from  the 
stalk,  diminishing  a little  to  the  eye,  which  is  moderately  de- 
pressed and  partly  opened  ; stalk  short  and  thick  ; skin  green, 
nearly  smooth,  becoming  pale  yellowish  green  after  the  fruit 
has  been  gathered  some  time  and  is  fit  for  use  ; flesh  white, 
firm,  juicy,  becoming  buttery  and  melting,  rich  and  excellent.” 
This  pear  is  stated  to  be  particularly  useful  in  England,  where 
they  have  none  of  high  quality  to  succeed  the  Epargne,  which 
they  call  Jargonelle. 


PRESENT  DE  M ALINES.  Pr.  cat.  Lond.  hort.  cat. 

Gift  from  Malines. 

This  fruit  was  raised  from  seed  by  the  late  Count  Coloma, 
of  Malines,  in  Flanders,  and  was  presented  by  him  to  the  late 
John  Braddick,  Esq.  one  of  the  most  eflicient  members  of  the 
London  Horticultural  Society,  who  from  the  circumstances  as 
related  above,  gave  it  the  title  adopted.  ‘ The  fruit  is  said  to 
be  much  of  the  Bonchretien  shape,  large  at  one  end,  smooth, 
and  of  a beautiful  yellow  colour ; the  quality  excellent,  the 
flesh  being  melting  and  of  a rich  musky  flavour, 

BEURRE  SPENCE.  Pr.  cat.  Van  Mons.  Lond.  hort.  cat. 

The  celebrated  Mr.  Braddick  stated,  in  one  of  his  public 
communications,  that  having  asked  M.  Van  Mons,  the  cele- 
brated pomologist,  to  which  of  all  his  new  pears  he  gave  the 
preference,  he  immediately  replied,  the  “ Beurre  Spence,” 
and  added,  “ this  fruit  to  my  taste  is  inestimable,  and  has  no 
competitor.”  Mr.  B.  proceeds  to  say,  that  when  his  trees 
bore  fruit  he  sent  specimens  to  the  London  Horticultural  Soci- 
ety, and  that  M.  Turner,  the  under  secretary,  pronounced  it 
the  very  best  of  all  the  new  Flemish  pears,  and  in  this  prefer- 
ence of  Professor  Van  Mons  and  M.  Turner,  Mr  B.  coin- 


PEARS. 


iSt) 


cides.  The  time  of  ripening  is  from  the  middle  of  October 
to  the  middle  of  November.  The  first  trees  of  this  kind 
brought  to  our  country  were  imported  by  myself.  I have  ex- 
tended its  culture  very  considerably,  and  have  sent  a number 
to  different  parts  of  the  union. 


PINE  APPLE  PEAR.  Pr.  cat. 

Poire  d* Ananas.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

Ananas. 

This  variety  Mr.  Braddick  states  to  be  nearly  allied  in  ap- 
pearance  and  flavour  to  the  Present  de  Malines  and  Passe 
Colmar,  and  some  of  the  pears  which  he  sent  to  Mr.  Loudon 
were  declared  by  him  to  be  excellent.  They  were  tasted  on 
the  first  of  March,  and  Mr.  B.  says  that  he  had  kept  them 
back  as  long  as  he  could.  This  may  consequently  be  deemed 
a very  valuable  winter  pear.  He  also  makes  the  following 
remarks  as  to  keeping  pears  well — “ They  should  be  pre- 
served in  an  equal  dry  temperature,  under  the  fermenting 
point;  whence  they  should  be  brought  out  just  at  the  time  of 
using  them.  Acting  upon  this  experience,  1 have  prepared  a 
fruit  room  thirty-two  feet  under  the  surface  of  the  earth,  in 
the  dry  solid  rock.”  It  is  now'  six  or  seven  years  since  I im- 
ported the  first  tree  of  this  kind  from  Flanders,  from  which  a 
great  number  have  since  been  increased. 

I also  received  it  a second  time  from  Mr.  Braddick  in  Feb- 
ruar)  , 1828,  together  with  eleven  others  of  his  .most  choice 
varieties  of  pears,  twenty  very  select  varieties  of  apples,  and 
six  of  strawberries.  Indeed,  the  death  of  that  friendly  and 
excellent  man,  may  be  most  justly  deplored  as  a public  loss. 
He  communicated  to  me  many  circumstances  respecting  his 
fondness  for  the  culture  of  fruits,  which  perhaps  I may  refer  to 
hereafter,  as  being  both  amusing  and  instructive. 


PEARS. 


137 


WILLIAMS’ BONCHRETIEN.  Pk.  cat.  Lond.hoe.tran.  Foe. 

Baiilett,  \ of  the  Bostonians. 

Summer  St.  Michael,  ^ 

This  pear,  which  has  been  called  by  Mr.  Alton,  (in  his 
Epitome  of  the  Hortus  Kewensis)  Williams’  Bon  Chretien 
appears  to  have  sprung  from  seed,  in  the  garden  of  Mr. 
Wheeler,  a schoolmaster  at  Aldermaston  in  Berkshire,  about 
twenty-five  years  ago,  and  was  suffered  to  remain,  in  order  to 
prove  the  value  of  its  fruit.  Subsequently  grafts  have  been  ex- 
tensively dispersed,  and  many  trees  been  propagated  in  Mr.  Wil- 
liams’ nursery  near  London,  where  it  obtained  its  adopted  title. 

The  trees  of  this  variety  are  of  vigorous  growth  and  fertile 
habit ; their  branches  remarkably  erect  and  straight,  until  bent 
by  the  weight  of  fruit ; leaves  broad,  deep  green,  very  sharply 
serrated  ; fruit  of  an  irregular  pyramidal  and  somewhat  trun- 
cated form,  large,  being  from  three  to  four  and  a half  inches 
in  length,  and  two  to  three  inches  in  width  at  the  widest  part 
near  the  head  ; the  eye  is  inserted  on  the  summit,  and  never 
sunk  in  a hollow  cavity,  as  in  the  other  varieties  called  Bon- 
chretiens  ; the  stalk  is  very  gross  or  fleshy,  about  three-fourths 
of  an  inch  in  length  ; the  colour  of  the  fruit  is  pale  green, 
spotted  over  with  a mixture  of  darker  green  and  russet  brown, 
becoming  yellowish,  and  faintly  tinged  with  red  on  the  side 
next  the  sun  when  fully  ripe ; the  flesh  is  whitish,  very  tender  and 
delicate,  abounding  with  juice,  which  is  sweet,  and  agreeably 
perfumed  ; ripens  in  August  when  trained  to  a west  wall,  but 
on  standard  trees  it  is  from  three  weeks  to  a month  later. 

This  pear  is  deemed  by  many  superior  to  any  of  its  season. 
It  immediately  succeeds  the  Epargne  or  English  Jargonelle, 
and  is  earlier  than,  as  well  as  much  superior  to  the  Doyenne 
or  White  Beurre,  and  resembles  in  flavour  the  Summer  Musk 
Bonchretien.  Its  merits  over  the  latter  variety  are,  that  on 
standard  trees,  as  well  as  when  trained,  it  seldom  fails  to  pro- 
duce fruit  in  abundance. 

It  has  been  held  in  great  esteem  in  the  environs  of  Boston 

18 


138 


PEAR?. 


for  many  years,  and  very  extensively  cultivated  there  and  else- 
where under  the  title  of  Bartlett  It  obtained  that  name 

from  the  circumstance  that  the  oldest  or  original  tree  in  that 
vicinity  stands  on  the  property  of  a gentleman  of  that  name, 
the  real  title  not  being  then  known  ; and  it  is  to  the  intelli- 
gence and  discrimination  of  Robert  Manning,  Esq.  of  Salem, 
one  of  the  most  eminent  and  accurate  pomologists  of  the  age, 
that  the  public  are  indebted  for  an  investigation  and  full  eluci- 
dation of  the  facts.  In  the  “ Short  Treatise  on  Horticulture,” 
published  by  me,  I erroneously  stated  this  to  be  a native  pear, 
having  been  so  advised  by  the  gentleman  at  Boston  from  whom 
I received  the  first  tree. 


SKIXLESS.  Pr.  CAT.  Mil.  For.  Coxe  ? 


Poire' sans  peau, 
Fleur  de  Guignes^ 
Flower  of  Guigne. 
Rousselet  hatif  > 
Early  Rousselet  ^ 


Roz.  Duh.  Mil. 

erroneouslv. 


This  pear  is  in  size  about  medium,  being  twenty- eight  or 
twenty-nine  lines  in  height,  by  twenty  or  twenty-one  in  its 
idest  diameter,  which  is  commonly  about  midway  of  the  fruit ; 
the  stem  is  rather  slender,  and  sixteen  or  seventeen  lines  in 
length,  and  rises  out  of  a small  cavity,  in  a somewhat  lateral 
direction  ; the  skin  is  very  thin,  pale  green  where  shaded,  and 
marked  with  some  reddish  spots  on  the  sunny  side  ; the  flesh  is 
partially  melting,  of  a sweet  and  somewhat  perfumed  flavour; 
the  seeds  are  brown,  and  the  fruit  ripens  the  first  part  of  Au- 
gust. It  is  variable  in  its  form,  which  is  generally  long  and 
sometimes  shorter  and  broader. 

Miller  makes  the  remark  that  it  is  called  by  some  the  Rous- 
selet hatif  or  Early  Rousselet,  and  Fors}"th  and  Rozier  also 
mention  its  resemblance  to  that  variety  ; but  Duhamel  and 
Rozier  make  the  difference  between  them,  in  their  general  size 
and  form,  to  be  considerable,  this  being  the  largest  of  the  t^vo. 

The  pear,  called  Skinless  in  Boston  and  its  vicinity,  has 
already  been  referred  to  under  thehead  of  Long  stalked  Blan- 


PEAKS. 


139 


qiiet,  but  a very  discriminating  pomologist  of  that  vicinity 
doubts  its  identity  with  that  variety.  The  whole  confusion  in 
regard  to  that  pear  and  the  Early  Rousselet,  the  Skinless  and 
Rousselet  de  Rheims,  has  arisen  from  the  adoption  of  the 
title  of  Catharine — some  pears  being  called  Early  Catharine, 
another  the  Green,  and  a third  the  Late  Catharine,  when  cor- 
rectly speaking,  we  have  no  such  fruit  as  a Catharine  pear  ; 
these  being  merely  local  titles  applied  to  old  established  fruits 
of  other  names,  and  not  even  mentioned  by  Duhamel,  Rozier, 
Miller,  or  Forsyth,  and  it  is  to  be  regretted  that  Mr.  Coxe 
should  have  adopted  them  in  his  work  in  two  cases  as  leading 
titles,  although  he  no  doubt  did  it  with  the  best  intentions. 

SECKEL.  Pk.  cat. 

Sccklc.  Coxe.  Lond.  Hort.  Trans.  Pom.  Mag.  Fes.  Amer. 

Gardener,  and  other  publications. 

This  incomparable  little  pear,  which  is  now  becoming  so 
widely  disseminated  in  our  country  and  abroad,  originated  on 
the  farm  of  Mr.  Seckel,  about  four  miles  from  Philadelphia. 
It  is  at  least  equal  in  flavour  to  any  European  pear  I have  met 
with,  and  by  far  the  highest  flavoured  one  that  has  originated 
in  this  country.  It  is  melting,  and  its  taste  is  that  of  a rich 
spicy  concentration.  The  fruit  is  of  a brownish  russet  colour, 
with  a red  cheek  next  the  sun,  but  in  some  situations  it  is 
of  a yellowish  hue,  and  occasionally  without  any  touch  of  red, 
and  it  usually  grows  in  clusters  of  from  two  to  seven  in  each. 
I have  noticed,  that  much  of  its  fine  spicy  flavour  is  contained 
in  the  skin,  and  in  eating  this  should  not  be  taken  off.  It 
grows  more  slowly  than  any  other  pear  tree  I am  acquainted 
with  ; and  in  fact,  at  maturity,  forms  a tree  of  only  moderate 
size,  but  peculiarly  compact  and  regular  in  its  form,  with  rich- 
ness of  foliage,  and  a general  flourishing  appearance.  Al- 
though this  pear  has  been  figured  in  the  Transactions  of  the 
London  Horticultural  Society,  and  both  European  and  Ame- 
rican gentlemen  conversant  on  the  subject  have  stated,  that 
no  fruit  similar  to  it  existed  in  Europe,  still  there  is  a pear 


140 


PEARS. 


which  has  been  long  cultivated  in  France  and  England,  and 
almost  every  other  country  in  Europe,  so  extremely  similar  to 
it,  that  I venture  to  assert,  that  beyond  all  doubt,  it  is  the  pa- 
rent of  the  Seckel.  The  pear  to  which  I refer  is  the  “ Rous- 
selet  de  Rheims,  or  Petit  Rousselet,”  called  also  in  Europe 
“ the  Musk^  or  Spice  Pear.'^  The  growth  of  the  respective 
trees  is  similar,  and  the  fruit  so  much  alike,  that  persons  have 
mistaken  them  for  each  other.  The  difference  consists  in  the 
part  of  the  fruit  next  the  stem  being  more  pointed  in  one  than 
the  other,  and  in  the  spicy  flavour  of  the  Seckel  being  much 
higher  than  that  of  the  Rousselet  de  Rheims.  The  colour 
and  size  are  much  the  same. 

The  form  of  the  Seckel  pear  is  regular,  rounded  at  the  head, 
and  gradually  diminishing  towards  the  stem,  which  is  large,  of 
about  an  inch  in  length,  and  inserted  in  a slight  depression  ; 
the  shoots  are  strong,  but  only  of  moderate  annual  extension; 
the  bark  is  a ruddy  brown  dotted  over  with  specks  of  a paler 
shade  of  the  same  colour,  and  with  others  of  a whitish  hue  ; 
the  flowers  are  of  small  size,  and  at  the  period  of  expansion 
are  of  a roseate  colour,  and  principally  produced  in  clusters  at 
the  extremity  of  the  shoots. 

It  is  much  to  be  regretted  that  this  fruit  is  not  of  larger  size, 
it  being  among  our  smallest  pears.  It  ripens  from  the  latter 
part  of  August  to  the  beginning  of  October,  and  by  being 
gathered  and  placed  carefully  in  a fruit  room,  will  mature  gra- 
dually, and  furnish  a regular  supply  for  the  table  during  the 
period  named. 

The  London  PomologicalMag.  when  speaking  of  this  vari- 
ety, says,  it  is  found  to  exceed  in  excellence  of  flavour  the  very 
richest  of  their  autumn  pears,  possessing  a high  vinous  aroma, 
which  can  scarcely  be  compared  with  any  thing  in  fruits,  unless 
with  a concentration  of  the  taste  peculiar  to  the  Swan’s  egg  pear, 

LEWIS.  Pk.  cat.  Down. 

The  descriptions  of  this  and  the  four  succeeding  varieties 
are  from  the  pen  of  Samuel  Downer,  Esq.  of  Boston. 


PEARS. 


141 


This  fine  American  seedling  pear  has  more  than  met  our 
expectations  ; its  fine  qualities  will  make  it  more  generally 
known  than  heretofore  ; the  original  tree,  and  the  two  suckers 
transplanted  from  it,  have  given  full  and  constant  crops  the 
last  ten  years.  I will  here  allude  to  the  great  necessity  of 
allowing  our  late  fall  and  winter  pears  to  remain  on  the  trees 
as  long  as  possible,  even  at  the  risk  of  high  winds  and  hard 
frost,  (there  is  no  danger  from  a little  frost)  their  flavour  im- 
proves very  much  the  last  ten  or  fifteen  days  they  hang  on  the 
tree,  and  it  prevents  their  shrivelling  afterwards.  The  Lewis 
pear  hangs  on  the  tree  very  strong  to  the  last.  They  have 
readily  sold  in  our  market,  durkig  winter,  at  eight  dollars  per 
bushel. 

This  pear  is  In  size  a little  under  medium,  and  will  compare 
with  the  Crasanne  in  appearance  more  than  any  other  pear  ; it 
is  not  so  flat,  but  more  pear-shaped ; has  a stem  one  and  a 
quarter  inches  in  length,  set  in  a little  cavity,  the  blossom  end 
indented  with  a large  open  eye  ; the  flower  leaves  lie  flat  back 
on  the  head ; the  skin  of  those  growing  on  the  outside  of  the  tree 
is  yellowish  green,  and  of  those  growing  on  the  inside  dark  green 
with  cloudy  spots  ; flesh  whitish  and  fine  grained,  melting, 
buttery,  and  juicy,  not  so  high  flavoured  as  many  pears,  but 
very  pleasant,  and  calculated  to  become  a favourite  eating  fruit 
with  people  generally. 

It  is  sought  after  by  market-men,  and  sells  for  six  and  seven 
dollars  per  bushel ; it  is  a great  and  constant  bearer,  (bearing 
profusely  to  a fault)  and  its  being  a native,  and  a seedling  of 
recent  origin,  render  it  valuable  ; the  tree  being  also  acclimat- 
ed, it  is  not  subject  to  so  many  accidents,  as  many  of  our  deli- 
cate foreign  trees.  By  having  it  grow  in  cultivated  ground, 
you  may  be  sure  of  a great  crop  ; the  tree  is  vigorous,  and 
makes  good  sized  and  sound  wood ; the  branches  are  long, 
and  hang  weeping,  like  our  common  willow ; it  begins  to  be 
in  eating  by  the  middle  of  November,  and  some  years  has  con- 
tinued till  the  last  of  January,  and  in  a dry  cool  situation 
would  probably  keep  much  longer.  Being  but  recently  intro- 
duced to  notice,  the  trees  in  the  nurseries  are  yet  of  small  size. 


142 


PEARS. 


DIX  PEAR.  Pp..  cat.  Dow>*. 

Madam  Dix’s  mansion  house  is  situated  at  the  south  part  of 
Boston,  where  she  has  resided  for  more  than  thirty  years ; 
contiguous  to  the  house  is  a fine  spacious  garden,  containing 
many  large  fruit  trees,  among  which  are  a St.  Germain,  and  a 
Bonchretien  pear,  both  large  and  near  together,  which  may 
be  the  parents  of  this  seedling  pear,  which  came  up  fifteen 
years  since,  near  the  wood-house.  Its  close  resemblance  in 
appearance  to  the  St.  Germain,  gives  the  strongest  reason  to 
suppose  that  one  of  its  parents.  The  seedling  pear  tree  is  twen- 
ty-three feet  high,  and  ten  inches  in  diameter  four  feet  from 
the  ground.  With  the  exception  of  some  of  the  lower  limbs 
having  been  taken  off  last  season,  it  has  never  been  pruned, 
and  has  always  remained  where  it  sprang  up.  The  top  is  so 
thick  with  branches  and  cross  limbs,  being  full  of  thorns  that 
the  head  cannot  be  entered ‘without  difiiculty.  The  branches 
grow  out  at  first  horizontally,  then  after  bending  down  a little, 
turn  up  at  the  end.  It  makes  rather  small  wood  ; leaves  small 
and  finely  serrated,  not  folded  like  the  St.  Germain,  but  flat, 
with  long  stems,  colour  light  green,  with  a gloss.  The  tree 
has  been  in  bearing  three  or  four  years,  and  when  it  is  pro- 
perly pruned,  the  size  of  the  fruit  will  probably  be  increased, 
and  the  quality  improved.  The  soil  is  rich,  and  its  situation  a 
very  good  one. 

Size  over  medium,  and  may  rank  with  large  pears ; the  spe- 
cimen, of  which  a drawing  was  made  for  the  Massachusetts 
Horticultural  Society,  measured  four  and  a half  inches  in  height, 
and  eight  round ; skin  rough,  and  rather  thick,  the  fruit  re- 
sembling the  St.  Germain,  but  longer  and  larger — those  grow- 
ing inside  of  the  tree  are  green,  but  those  on  the  outside, 
exposed  to  the  sun,  have  a fine  blush,  turning  yellow’  when 
mature ; stem  not  exceeding  three  quarters  of  an  inch  in 
length,  not  large,  and  set  on  the  top  of  the  fruit ; blossom  end 
a little  indented,  with  a peculiar  eye,  appearing  as  if  drawm  up 
with  a string,  and  puckered  or  plaited  round  it,  and  a little 


PEARS. 


143 


knobby  at  the  head.  This  very  fine  pear  compares  very  nearly 
to  the  St.  Germain  in  appearance,  but  has  a higher  flavour. 
It  comes  in  eating  sooner  than  the  above  named  pear,  being  in 
perfection  from  the  middle  to  the  last  of  October.  It  bids 
fair  to  be  one  of  our  very  best  autumn  pears,  and  valuable  for 
its  recent  origin,  and  its  claims  as  a native.  It  may  with  the 
greatest  justice  be  introduced  to  our  gardens  and  nurseries. 

From  what  we  have  seen  of  this  variety,  we  think  it  will  be 
one  of  our  handsomest  and  very  best  pears,  and  will  be  largely 
cultivated  in  gardens  generally. 

GORE’S  HEATHCOT.  Pr.  cat. 

This  fine  seedling  did  not,  the  last  season,  bear  as  well  as 
usual  ; but  the  fruit  was  very  excellent.  This  variety  will  be 
a good  substitute  for  the  St.  Michael’s,  or  White  Doyenne. 
This  comparison  is  recommendation  enough  for  it. 

CLAP.  Pr.  cat.  Down. 

This  fruit  is  in  point  of  size  rather  under  medium  ; colour 
yellowish  green,  with  a little  brownish  blush  on  the  sunny  side; 
stem  long  and  bending  over,  set  on  the  top,  with  a little  rising 
round  the  bottom  of  the  stem ; eye  or  blossom  end  a little  in- 
dented, and  of  common  size;.flesh  whitish,  buttery,  and  juicy, 
it  has  a high  aromatic  flavour,  and  is  a little  musky,  resembling 
very  much  the  old  sort  of  Boston  Catharine,  or  “ Kattern”  in 
taste,  but  is  a little  more  sprightly ; form  being  however  one 
quarter  larger  ; the  fruit  more  free  from  blast  or  black  spots, 
and  the  brown  not  of  so  deep  a shade.  The  tree  grows  vigo- 
rously, branches  upright,  leaves  dark  green,  rather  broad  and 
flat,  and  finely  serrated  ; colour  of  the  wood  brownish,  with 
long  thorns  ; the  leaves  turn  yellow  and  commence  falling  as 
the  fruit  ripens,  and  in  a short  time  the  tree  becomes  nearly 
bare  of  foliage.  There  is  no  doubt  of  this  tree  being  a seed- 
ling ; and  I should  judge  from  its  resemblance,  that  the  Ca- 
tharine above  alluded  to,  was  one  of  its  parents.  It  came  up 


144 


PEARS. 


by  chance  near  the  house,  and  has  never  been  moved.  It  is 
sixteen  years  old,  thirty  feet  high,  and  seven  inches  in  diame- 
ter; has  borne  constantly  for  the  last  four  or  five  seasons 
pretty  full,  considering  its  vigorous  growth.  I should  think 
this  summer  pear,  on  account  of  its  good  qualities  and  recent 
origin,  worthy  of  recommending  to  the  public.  It  is  in  eating 
by  the  middle  of  August,  being  a little  sooner  than  the  old 
kind. 

This  variety  was  raised  from  seed  by  Capt.  William  Clap, 
of  Massachusetts. 


CUSHING.  Pr.  cat.  Down. 

This  superior  wilding  pear  originated  on  the  farm  of  Col. 
Washington  Cushing,  of  Massachusetts,  where  it  w as  recently 
discovered  and  brought  to  notice.  It  is  expected  to  hold  a 
high  rank  among  our  native  varieties.  There  is  little  doubt 
but  it  will  improve  in  quality,  and  increase  in  size  from  one- 
quarter  to  one-third,  when  cultivated  in  our  gardens  or 
ploughed  fields,  as  has  been  the  case  with  the  Harvard  pear. 
I can  also  add  the  opinion  of  a gentleman,  respecting  this  va- 
riety, wdiose  judgment  on  fruits  is  considered  first  rate,  and  who 
declared  on  tasting  it,  that  it  was  superior  to  the  Bartlett, 
Harvard,  Andrews,  Moorfowd,  or  Swan’s  egg. 

The  fruit  is  a little  under  medium  size ; colour  light  green, 
with  a little  brownish  blush  on  the  sunny  side,  and  a smooth 
and  shining  skin  ; it  is  formed  like  the  Harvard  pear,  but  fuller 
near  the  stem,  which  is  three-quarters  of  an  inch  long,  placed 
on  one  side  of  the  top  in  a little  cavity,  with  a rise  on  the 
other ; the  blossom  end  is  a little  indented ; the  flesh  whitish, 
melting,  buttery,  and  full  of  delicious  juice,  tasting  like  the 
Andrew^s  pear,  but  has  more  flavour  and  sprightliness.  It  is 
in  eating  the  middle  of  September.  It  may  be  recommended 
with  the  greatest  confidence  to  the  public  as  one  of  our  finest 
varieties,  and  the  tree  is  a great  and  constant  bearer. 


l*UAlts>. 


145 


HARVARD.  Pk.  cat. 

Boston  Epargne,  or  UEpargne. 

V Epergne. 

Sugar  pear,  of  Cambridge,  Mass. 

This  fruit  is  generally  fair,  possesses  a fine  tiavour,  and  is 
valued  as  one  of  our  best  native  fruits.  It  received  its  name 
in  commemoration  of  the  founder  of  Harvard  University,  it 
being  satisfactorily  established  that  it  is  a wilding  of  Cam- 
bridge, Mass. 

The  branches  grow  upright,  have  thorns  on  them,  and  are 
remarkable  for  the  yellowness  of  their  bark  during  the  winter 
and  other  periods  when  vegetation  is  dormant.  The  fruit 
ripens  about  the  first  of  September  ; it  is  above  the  medium 
size,  weighing  five  to  six  ounces,  and  highly  esteemed ; some 
even  rank  it  second  only  among  our  native  fruits  to  the  Seckel. 

It  is  a constant  and  full  bearer  when  the  tree  has  age ; its  ra- 
pid growth  preventing  its  bearing  for  four  or  five  years,  which 
is  a good  peculiarity.  Its  excellent  qualities  make  it  deserving 
of  a recommendation  to  nurseries  and  the  public,  as  a very 
superior  pear.  It  may  be  added,  that  it  is  in  favour  with  the 
market-men,  selling  at  four  to  five  dollars  per  bushel. 

GUERNSEY.  Pr.cat. 

Stevens^  Genessee, 

This  very  fine  pear  is  of  the  melting  kind,  larger  than  the 
White  Doyenne,  and  ripens  in  September.  It  should  be  ga- 
thered as  soon  as  the  stem  will  separate  by  a clean  fracture, 
and  ripened  in  the  house,  and  must  be  eaten  as  soon  as  it  be- 
comes yellow  and  mellow,  as  it  will  not  keep.  It  is  said  to  be 
more  juicy,  and  much  more  delicious  than  the  White  Doyenne, 
and  in  one  case  a fruit  measured  eleven  inches  in  circumfe- 
rence. The  tree  was  raised  from  seed  in  the  western  part  of  \ 
this  state,  and  the  grafts  were  politely  transmitted  to  me  by  J. 

K.  Guernsey,  Esq.  of  Monroe  county,  from  respect  to  whom  1 
called  it  by  the  title  here  adopted. 

19 


146 


PEARS. 


JOHONNOT.  Pr.  cat. 

This  native  variety  received  its  title  from  its  having  been  ori- 
ginated by  G.  S.  Johonnot,  Esq.  of  Massachusetts.  That 
gentleman  states,  that  its  first  fruit  was  produced  in  1823  ; the 
stem  is  much  shorter  and  thicker  than  is  common  with  pears, 
and  there  is  often  a small  protuberance  on  the  fruit  near  the 
point  of  its  insertion,  similar  to  that  on  some  Pearmain  apples ; 
the  skin  is  nearly  as  thin  as  that  of  a peach,  and  of  a dull  yel- 
lowish brown  hue.  This  pear  is  of  medium  size,  and  of  a 
peculiar  and  irregular  form  ; the  period  of  maturity  is  the  last 
week  in  September. 

PRINCE’S  ST.  GERMAIN.  Pr.  cat.  Lond.  hort.  cat. 

This  pear  is  a seedling  of  the  French  St.  Germain  or  In- 
connue-la-Fare,  impregnated  by  the  White  Doyenne,  and  was 
originated  from  seed  by  myself  about  twenty-six  years  since ; 
the  original  tree,  which  remained  for  several  years  among  a 
cluster  of  seedlings  without  much  chance  for  expansion,  did 
not  produce  fruit  till  the  ninth  year.  It  is  now  in  the  most  vigo- 
rous state,  and  stands  near  the  entrance  of  one  of  my  nurseries. 
Young  trees  to  the  number  of  many  thousands  have  been  pro- 
pagated from  it,  and  are  now  to  be  found  in  every  part  of  Eu- 
rope, as  well  as  of  our  own  country.  The  growth  denotes 
health  and  vigour,  and  the  tree  comes  early  into  bearing.  The 
young  wood  is  of  a dark  reddish  brown  colour,  marked  with 
small  specks  of  white ; the  buds  are  large  andsharp  pointed ; the 
fruit  is  on  the  average  of  a larger  size  than  either  of  its  parents,  of 
a russet  green  colour,  with  a red  cheek ; its  flavour  is  similar  to 
that  of  the  French  St.  Germain,  but  it  has  the  advantage  of 
always  being  a perfectly  fair  fruit,  and  a great  bearer.  The 
pears  should  be  gathered  in  October  and  laid  separately  on 
shelves,  or  carefully  wrapped  in  paper,  when  they  will  gradu- 
ally ripen  during  several  months,  and  may  be  preserved  until 
late  in  the  winter.  Next  to  the  Seckel,  I consider  this  as  the 
finest  table  pear  our  country  has  yet  produced. 


PEARS?, 


14: 


HUSHMORE’S  BONCHRETIEN.  JPk.  cai* 

Harrison* s large  fall  pear.  Coxe. 

Large  Swanks  egg. 

Richmond. 

Autumn  Bonchretien,  of  some  gardens. 

Mogul  summer  ? Lottos  pear. 

This  is  a native  pear  of  very  large  size,  and  one  of  the 
greatest  bearers.  It  is  flat  at  the  head,  and  very  regularly 
rounded  for  nearly  two-thirds  of  its  length,  but  diminished  to- 
wards the  stem,  which  is  long  and  large  ; the  growth  of  the 
tree  is  particularly  strong  and  rapid,  and  it  soon  arrives  at  ma- 
ture bearing  ; the  fruit  when  ripe  is  a pale  yellow  colour,  with 
a red  cheek;  it  is  breaking  when  ripened  on  the  tree,  but  be- 
comes buttery  when  matured  in  the  house,  and  is  considered 
but  a tolerable  table  fruit,  the  flesh  being  coarse ; but  this 
taken  in  connexion  with  its  being  a most  excellent  pear  for  bak- 
ing and  cooking,  and  ripe  at  a season  when  few  other  pears 
are  so,  and  producing  very  abundantly,  it  may  be  considered 
as  one  of  the  most  useful  pears  in  a general  view ; it  ripens  in 
succession,  from  the  end  of  August  to  the  end  of  September, 
and  may  be  preserved  without  rotting  a considerable  time,  and 
when  full  ripe,  can  be  used  for  baking  without  sugar. 

It  is  very  much  cultivated  on  Long  Island,  and  particularly 
by  those  who  supply  the  markets  with  fruit,  it  being  well  suited 
for  that  purpose. 

LONG  ROSEWATER.  Auth. 

I adopt  the  above  title  for  a pear  received  about  eight  years 
ago,  from  Paris,  under  the  name  of  Caillot  rosat,  and  I think 
it  may  possibly  prove  to  be  the  German  variety  so  called,  and 
mentioned  in  the  Pomological  Magazine  as  a long  fruit.  The 
tree  is  remarkably  vigorous  in  its  growth,  and  its  form  is  very 
regular  and  handsome.  It  last  year  produced  fruit  of  a deli- 
cious quality ; the  pear  was  nearly  as  long  as  the  Epargne, 
not  so  large  at  the  base,  and  diminishing  towards  the  stem ; its 
colour  was  green  when  gathered  in  October,  but  it  acquired  a 


14S 


PEAKS. 


3*ellovv  hue  when  at  maturity,  which  was  in  November  or  De- 
cember.  The  flesh  was  very  rich,  juicy,  and  high  flavoured  : 
and  although  I had  but  one  fruit,  and  did  not  therefore  test  its 
value  as  a keeping  pear,  I was  highly  gratified  with  it,  and  I 
deem  it  one  of  the  very  best  of  its  season.  I have  as  yet  seen 
no  description  whereby  to  fully  identify  it ; but  the  appearance 
of  the  tree  is  so  characteristic,  that  it  cannot  readily  be  mis- 
taken for  any  other,  and  it  must  without  doubt  be  known  to 
some  of  the  numerous  writers  on  the  subject. 

SUMMER  MELTING.  Pr.  cat. 

Fondante  d^eU, 

This  is  a tree  of  the  most  vigorous  growth  and  flourishing 
appearance,  shooting  erect  into  a stately  form ; the  fruit  is  of  fair 
size,  ripens  early  in  August,  and  it  has  by  some  been  considered 
the  best  pear  of  its  season.  After  it  comes  into  bearing,  it  in- 
creases annually  in  fertility  and  the  quantity  of  its  produce, 
but  it  attains  considerable  size  before  it  produces  freely. 

I received  the  original  tree  of  this  variety  in  1802,  from  a 
person  then  resident  in  Baltimore,  who  was  very  curious  in 
fruits,  and  who  had  a number  of  French  varieties  of  pears.  It 
was  on  a quince  stock  and  soon  bore  fruit,  which  was  larger, 
handsomer,  and  more  melting  than  any  I have  since  had  on 
pear  stocks. 


RED  CHEEK.  Pr.  cat. 

English  red  cheek.  Pr.  Hort.  Pr.  cat.  25  ed. 

This  pear  is  cultivated  at  Rhode  Island  under  the  name 
given  above  as  a synonyme,  whence  it  was  brought  to  Long 
Island.  It  is  a bell-shaped  fruit,  of  a beautiful  yellow  colour, 
with  a red  cheek ; it  is  not  quite  as  large  as  the  St.  Michael 
or  Virgalieu, — is  considered  a very  good  fruit  when  not  over 
ripe,  and  the  tree  bears  well ; it  ripens  at  the  latter  part  of 
August. 


rEAUs*. 


149 


A tree  imported  from  France,  but  whose  name  is  unknown, 
has  produced  fruit  precisely  like  the  foregoing,  and  it  is  there- 
fore most  probable  that  the  variety  is  of  French  origin. 


POUND.  Pr.  CAT.  COXE.  Fes  AMER.  GAKU. 

Cordelier,  or  Large  Cordelier,  of  English  authors. 

Next  to  the  White  Doyenne  pear,  the  present  variety  is  the 
most  common  in  this  vicinity,  it  being  of  so  great  size  and 
subserving  such  useful  purposes,  that  all  desire  to  possess  it. 
It  is  the  largest  of  all  the  older  class  of  pears,  and  there  are 
but  three  or  four  of  those  more  recently  introduced  that  can 
compare  with  it  in  this  respect.  It  often  weighs  from  twenty- 
five  to  thirty  ounces,  and  one  was  exhibited  in  New  Jersey, 
about  four  years  since,  weighing  forty  and  a half  ounces.  It 
is  of  uniform  shape,  full  and  round  at  the  head,  and  diminish- 
ing gradually  to  the  stalk,  which  is  large  and  long ; the  skin 
is  of  a greenish  hue,  with  a brownish  russet  cheek  next  the 
sun  ; the  flesh  is  solid,  and  when  cooked  acquires  a red  colour. 
This  fruit  is  not  suitable  for  the  table,  but  is  esteemed  for  bak- 
ing and  preserving.  It  will  keep  till  late  in  the  spring,  and 
may  be  used  from  time  to  time  as  required  for  the  above  pur- 
poses. It  is  preferable  to  allow  the  pears  to  hang  on  the  trees 
until  late,  when  after  gathering  they  should  be  packed  away 
in  chaflf,  or  wrapped  in  paper,  which  by  excluding  the  atmos- 
phere, keeps  them  from  drying  and  preserves  their  freshness, 
consequently  rendering  them  more  juicy  and  tender,  and  when 
so  treated  they  become  towards  spring  of  a yellow  colour,  and 
the  russet  cheek  acquires  a fine  tinge  of  red. 

• The  tree  grows  exceedingly  strong  even  from  its  first  ad- 
vance, and  its  progress  is  very  rapid,  perhaps  none  more  so, 
forming  one  of  the  largest  of  its  class,  and  being  also  exceed- 
ingly hardy,  and  subject  to  no  maladies  or  defects.  Largo 
quantities  of  the  fruit  are  put  up  in  this  vicinity  in  barrels  for 
the  markets  of  New-York  and  for  exportation. 


]50 


PEARS. 


SWAN’S  EGG.  pR.  CAT.  For.  Coxr. 

Poire  d’Auch  of  some  gardens. 

This  fruit  is  of  medium  size,  and  the  form  elliptical  ; the 
skin  is  green,  slightly  tinged  with  brown  or  russet ; the  flesh 
quite  melting,  and  abounding  with  juice  of  an  agreeable  musky 
flavour.  Its  period  of  maturity  is  November,  and  it  may  with 
attention  be  preserved  for  some  time. 

Miller  does  not  describe  this  pear,  and  Forsyth,  after  quot- 
ing the  Poire  (Tceuf^  or  Egg  pear  of  Duhamel,  copies  about 
half  of  the  description  of  that  variety,  and  adds  thereto  some 
further  remarks  of  little  import,  and  varies  the  time  of  ripen- 
ing. In  truth,  however,  these  fruits  would  appear  to  be  ver}' 
distinct,  and  Duhamel  states  the  time  of  ripening  of  the  Egg 
pear  to  be  the  end  of  August  or  beginning  of  September. 


ANGLETERRE  DE  NOISETTE.  Pr.  cat. 

Grosse  Angleterre  de  Noisette.  Bon  Jard. 

This  is  a recent  seminal  production,  said  to  have  been  raised 
by  the  person  whose  name  is  attached  to  it,  and  to  be  a vari- 
ety of  the  Angleterre  of  a larger  size  and  later  at  maturity. 


BEAUTY  OF  BRUSSELS.  Pr.  cat. 

Belle  de  Bruxelles.  Duh.  Calvel.  Die.  d’Agric. 

Belle  d^aout.  Bon  Jard.? 

This  fruit  has  the  form  of  a Beurre ; the  skin  which  is  previous- 
ly green,  becomes  yellowish  at  the  period  of  maturity,  which  is 
during  the  month  of  October ; the  flesh  is  white,  delicate,  and 
of  agreeable  flavour,  and  the  tree  is  of  thrifty  growth.  The 
/ Diet,  d’ Agriculture  gives  a very  similar  description,  but  the 
Bon  Jardinier  describes  it  as  a superb  fruit  of  good  quality, 
and  ripening  in  August. 


PEAKS. 


151 


GOLDEN  COLMAR.  Fii.  cat. 

Colmar  dore.  Lond.  Hort.  cat.  Bon  Jard.  Pr.  cat.  25  ed. 

The  French  describe  this  variety  as  being  more  oblong  than 
the  old  Colmar ; the  flesh  melting  and  very  good,  and  the  fruit 
at  maturity  in  March. 

BLACK  SEEDED  BEURRE.  Pr.  cat. 

Beurre  noire  graine,  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

Noir  grain.  Bon  Jard. 

Black  seeded.  Pr.  cat.  25  ed. 

European  writers  state  that  this  fruit  is  of  medium  size,  and 
that  it  is  very  highly  esteemed  in  Flanders  ; the  tree  is  ex- 
ceedingly productive,  and  the  fruit  is  at  maturity  in  September. 
I imported  this  pear  some  years  since ; but  its  value  being  little 
known,  it  has  been  as  yet  but  partially  disseminated  througli 
our  country. 


SIEULLE.  Bon  Jard.  Pr.  cat. 

Doyenne  d^hyver  ? 

This  new  pear  was  raised  at  Praslin,  at  tlie  seat  of  the  Duke 
of  Choiseul,  by  a person  whose  name  it  bears.  Its  first  intro- 
duction to  notice  was  in  1815.  The  fruit  is  of  medium  size, 
resembling  the  Crasanne  in  form,  but  more  swollen  towards 
the  base ; the  stem  is  long,  and  inserted  in  a cavity  surround- 
ed by  several  small  lobes ; the  eye  is  slightly  depressed ; skin 
delicate,  of  a lemon  colour,  partially  washed  with  red  next  the 
sun  ; flesh  half-melting,  the  juice  sweet,  rich,  profuse,  and 
agreeable  ; the  fruit  ripens  in  October  and  November,  and  the 
tree  is  handsome,  vigorous,  and  productive,  and  may  be  pro- 
pagated on  both  pear  and  quince  stocks.  This  very  fine  va- 
riety is  cultivated  at  the  nursery  establishment  of  the  author. 


152 


PEAKS. 


KPARGNE.  Pr.  cat.  Duh.  Roz.  Die.  d’agric.  Jard.  freit. 
Bon  Jard.  For.  Coxe. 


Jargonelle.  Pom.  Mag.  Loud.  Hort.  cat.,  and  of  most  English 
gardens,  erroneously. 

Espargne,  or  Saint  Sanson.  Quin. 

Espargne.  Reserve  pear,  or  St.  Sanson.  Evel. 

Lady^s  thigh, 

Grosse  Cuisse  madame,  ^ 

Beau  present.  Roz.  syn.  f of  the  French  authors  and 

Sami  Samson.  Roz.  syn.  C catalogues. 

Saint  Lambert,  ^ 

Poire  des  tables  des  Princes, 

Real  Jargonelle.  Fes.  Amer.  Gard. 


This  pear,  which  is  extensively  cultivated  in  this  vicinity  and 
in  various  sections  ofthe  union,  is  most  generally  known  by  the 
titles  of  Jargonelle,  Cuisse  madame,  and  Lady’s  thigh,  it  hav- 
ing been  received  from  England  under  the  name  of  Jargonelle, 
and  from  France  under  those  of  Epargne,  Cuisse  madame, 
and  Grosse  Cuisse  madame.  As  I can  perceive  no  good  rea- 
son why  we  should  adopt  the  blunders  of  the  English,  even  if 
they  have  received  countenance  from  being  copied  into  some 
of  their  works  deemed  in  other  cases  to  be  authority,  and  as 
both  Miller  and  Forsyth  reject  the  error  referred  to,  it  is  to  be 
regretted  that  a publication  having  so  many  claims  to  superi- 
ority as  the  Pomological  Magazine  should  have  continued  it : 
for  although  long  usage  may  be  sometimes  allowed  to  form  an 
apology  for  adopting  a title  erroneous  in  its  origin,  such  course 
can  only  be  admitted  when  it  may  be  done  without  confusion; 
but  in  the  present  case  there  is  a genuine  Jargonelle,  so  called 
by  all  the  French  authors  since  the  middle  of  the  17th  century, 
and  supposed  to  be  one  of  the  most  ancient  varieties  in  culti- 
vation ; and  the  only  means  of  preventing  confusion  is  to  cor- 
rect the  error  at  once. 

The  following  description  is  from  Duhamel,  an  author  cele- 
brated for  his  great  accuracy,  and  accords  with  my  own 
observations. 

" This  fruit  is  of  very  oblong  form,  being  three  to  three 


VJLAUS. 


153 


and  a half  inches  in  height,  and  twenty-two  to  twenty-four 
lines  in  diameter  at  its  largest  part,  which  is  at  about  two- 
thirds  its  length,  measuring  from  the  base ; the  eye  is  placed 
in  a slight  cavity,  which  is  surrounded  by  several  projections ; 
the  stem  is  two  inches  in  length,  or  thereabouts,  and  the  fruit 
has  often  some  prominences  or  swellings  at  its  insertion ; the 
skin  is  greenish  and  somewhat  marbled  with  fawn-colour  min- 
gled with  red  next  to  the  sun ; the  flesh  is  white,  and  melting, 
with  a slight  acidity  of  flavour,  which  is  rich  and  very  agree- 
able ; the  seeds  are  black,  and  frequently  abortive.  This  pear 
is  one  of  the  most  beautiful  and  one  of  the  best  that  is  to  be 
met  with  at  the  period  of  its  maturity,  which  is  at  the  end  of 
July  to  the  tenth  of  August.  The  tree  is  vigorous,  and  may 
be  propagated  on  both  the  pear  and  quince.” 

I also  add  the  following  description  from  the  Pomological 
Magazine. 

“Tree  of  a straggling,  creeping  habit;  wood  yellowish 
green  in  the  shade,  reddish  when  exposed  ; leaves  rather  large, 
woolly  when  young,  ovate,  acuminate,  finely  and  doubly  ser- 
rated ; petioles  on  the  young  shoots  about  an  inch  long ; sti- 
pules linear ; flowers  early,  very  large  ; fruit  large,  oblong, 
with  a long  stalk,  generally  a little  bent ; eye  open,  with  long- 
projecting  segments  of  the  calyx ; skin  greenish  yellow  on  the 
shaded  side,  with  a tinge  of  brownish  red  when  exposed  ; flesh 
yellowish  white,  very  juicy  and  melting,  with  a peculiarly  rich 
agreeable  flavour ; round  th©  core  it  is  rather  gritty,  and  more 
so  if  grafted  on  the  quince ; it  is  the  queen  of  autumn  pears, 
and  unequalled  in  flavour  by  any  of  its  season.” 

In  the  orchards  in  the  vicinity  of  New-York,  w^e  have  no 
pear  tree  whose  growth  is  more  strong  and  vigorous  than  this, 
and  its  crops  are  exceedingly  abundant.  It  iCdeemed  b^  those 
who  supply  the  markets  with  fruit,  to  be  one  of  the  kinds  best 
calculated  for  that  purpose,  and  such  appears  to  be  its  charac- 
ter wherever  cultivated  ; and  from  its  being  one  of  the  oldest 
pears,  it  forms  a sorrowful  comment  on  the  principle  of  ex- 
haustion of  the  variety  by  age.  In  Fessenden’s  American 

20 


154 


Gardener,  it  is  stated  to  be  a great  and  constant  bearer,  and 
to  come  in  between  the  smaller  fruits  of  the  garden,  such  as 
the  strawberry  and  raspberry,  and  the  peach.  It  is  also  very 
justly  remarked  in  that  work,  that  the  fruit  generally  seen  in 
market  is  a caricature  of  that  raised  by  the  cultivator  for  his 
own  use,  it  being  in  the  former  case  gathered  unripe  and  arti- 
ficially ripened,  by  being  spread  in  great  masses. 

It  is  a singular  circumstance  that  Miller  does  not  refer  at  all 
to  the  Epargne  pear,  although  he  evidently  had  the  same  fruit 
in  view  when  describing  his  “ Cuisse  Madame  or  Lady’s  thigh,  in 
England,  commonly  called  Jargonelle  but  he  quotes  Tourn. 
and  Duhamel  erroneously  when  applying  their  titles  to  his 
description.  The  whole  chain  of  error  and  transposition 
seems  to  have  arisen  from  its  not  being  understood  by  Miller 
that  the  Epargne  of  the  French  was  the  Jargonelle  of  the 
English. 


JARGONELLE.  Q,uix.  Evel.  Duh.  Roz.  Die.  d’Agric. 

Jard.  fruit.  Bon  jard.  For. 

Summer  Jargonelle,  Evel. 

Jargonelle,  culled  Cuisse  Madame  in  England.  Mil. 

Cuisse  madame,  of  many  English  and  American  collections. 

French  Jargonelle. 

Aluch  difficulty  has  arisen  from  an  erroneous  title  being  ap- 
plied, in  England,  to  this  fruit,  under  which  it  has  been,  in 
many  cases,  sent  to  this  country.  It  will  be  seen  by  the  au- 
thors quoted  above,  that  it  has  been  regularly  known  and  des- 
cribed by  the  name  adopted  since  the  middle  of  the  17th  cen- 
tury, and  its  origin  is'traced  much  farther  back  by  some  writers. 
The  remarks  on  that  head,  at  page  108  of  the  Pomological 
Magazine,  although  applied  to  the  preceding  variety,  refer 
without  doubt  to  the  present  fruit.  It  is  there  remarked,  that 
the  name  of  the  Jargonelle  pear  is  derived,  according  to  Me- 
nage and  Duchat,  from  Jargon,  anciently  Gergon,  in  Italian 
in  Spanish  Gericmi;a,  all  corruptions  of  Grcecum ; 


lEARS. 


155 


whence  Merlet  infers  that  the  Jargonelle  was  the  Fyrum  Ta~ 
rentinum  of  Cato  and  Columella,  the  Numidianum  Grczcum 
of  Pliny,  and  the  Graeciilum  of  Macrobius.  If  this  conjecture 
be  well  founded,  the  kind  to  which  the  name  belongs  will  be 
one  of  the  most  ancient  in  cultivation. 

This  fruit  has  great  affinity  to  the  Aurate,  but  is  rather 
larger,  more  oblong,  and  pyriform ; it  is  twenty-two  lines  in 
height,  and  eighteen  in  diameter ; the  skin  is  perfectly  yellow 
on  the  shade  side,  and  a beautiful  red  next  the  sun ; the  flesh 
is  delicate,  white,  half-breaking,  and  of  slight  musky  flavour ; 
the  seeds  are  small  and  blackish  brown,  and  the  fruit  ripens  at 
the  beginning  of  September.  The  French  writers  do  not 
deem  it  very  worthy  of  culture,  and  indeed  it  is  so  very  infe- 
rior to  the  preceding,  and  rots  so.  soon  at  the  core,  that  its 
beauty  may  be  considered  its  principal  recommendation.  The 
growth  of  the  tree  is  not  as  vigorous  as  the  preceding  kind ; 
but  the  young  shoots  have  the  same  propensity  to  curve  and 
bend  over,  which  renders  the  young  trees  irregular  and  ill- 
formed  in  their  appearance. 


WINDSOR.  Pr.  CAT.  Mil.  For.  Lang.  pom.  Knoop.  pom. 

Cuisse  Madame.  Quin.  Evel.  Duh.  Roz.,  and  all  French 
writers  and  catalogues,  and  also  of  Forsyth  and  Coxe. 

Lady  thigh.  Evel. 

This  pear  is  oblong,  its  height  being  thirty  lines,  and  its 
diameter  twenty-two  ; the  eye  is  small,  inserted  nearly  even 
with  the  base  of  the  fruit ; the  stem,  which  is  about  fifteen  lines 
in  length,  is  somewhat  furrowed  at  the  extremity  which  unites 
it  to  the  fruit ; the  skin  is  delicate,  shining,  yellowish  green  on 
the  shaded  side,  and  brownish  red  next  the  sun  ; the  flesh  is 
half-melting,  and  rather  buttery,  somewhat  coarse,  abounding 
in  sweet  juice  which  has  a partially  musk  flavour ; the  fruit 
ripens  at  the  end  of  July  ; the  tree  grows  very  vigorously  when 
grafted  on  the  pear,  but  does  not  do  so  well  on  the  quince. 


PEAKb, 


15() 

This  is  deemed  to  be  a fruit  of  only  secondary  quality.  It 
soon  turns  soft,  and  in  a few  days  after  maturity  becomes 
mealy.  Many  persons  cultivate  it  for  market,  but  of  how 
much  greater  advantage  would  it  be  to  themselves  and  the 
public,  if  they  would  reject  inferior  fruits  and  cultivate  only 
the  choicest  for  that  purpose,  which  would  command  a very 
enhanced  price,  and  thereby  amply  repay  them. 

Forsyth  describes  this  under  two  heads,  the  Windsor,  and 
Cuisse  Madame.  The  French  writers  state  that  the  stem  of 
the  fruit  is  not  strongly  attached  to  the  tree,  and  that  in  conse- 
quence the  least  wind  blows  it  off,  and  Coxe  adopts  these  and 
other  remarks,  which  shows  he  had  reference  to  the  same  fruit, 
and  indeed  he  appears  to  have  generally  been  guided  by  Ro- 
zier  in  his  descriptions  of  pears. 

VANDERVEER.  Pr.  cat. 

This  is  a native,  originated  from  seed  by  Dr.  Adrian  Van- 
derveer,  of  this  island,  to  whose  politeness  I am  indebted  for 
it,  and  in  commemoration  of  which  I have  attached  to  it  the 
above  title.  The  size  is  about  that  of  a medium  White  Do- 
yenne, from  the  seed  of  which  it  originated;  the  skin  is 
yellow  with  a tinge  of  russet ; the  flesh  melting  and  buttery, 
and  the  fruit  is  at  maturity  in  September ; the  tree  grows  rapid- 
ly, is  a great  bearer,  and  sheds  its  foliage  at  an  early  period. 


APRICOTS. 


MASCULINE.  Pk.  cat.  Mn..  Foe. 


Early  Masculine,  of  some  catalogues. 
Ahricotier  hatif.  N.  Duh. 


Abricot  precoce,  > 

Abricot  hdtif  musquee,  ^ 
Abricotin,  commonly  in  France. 
Red  Masculine,  of  the  English  ? 


O.  Duh.  Roz. 


The  fruit  of  this  tree  is  small  and  almost  round  ; it  is  fifteen 
to  seventeen  lines  in  its  greatest  diameter,  is  hollowed  on  one 
of  its  sides  by  a longitudinal  groove,  extending  from  the  base 
to  the  ^mmit,  which  although  shallow  is  very  apparent ; the 
skin  is  a fine  yellow  on  the  shaded  side,  and  tinged  with  red 
on  that  exposed  to  the  sun  ; the  flesh  is  light  yellow,  partially 
perfumed,  easily  separates  from  the  stone,  the  kernel  of  which 
is  bitter.  In  the  climate  of  Paris  it  is  at  maturity  the  begin- 
ning of  July,  which  is  the  sole  advantage  it  possesses,  for  most 
of  the  other  kinds  are  superior  to  it  in  quality.  It  may  be 
propagated  from  the  stone,  as  well  as  by  the  other  modes  of 
inoculating,  Sic.  In  this  vicinity  its  period  of  maturity  is 
the  middle  of  Ji.ly.  Forsyth  says  this  variety  is  chiefly  es- 
teemed in  England  for  its  tart  taste.  In  the  English  catalogues 
they  enumerate  a brown  variety  of  the  Masculine. 


WHITE  MASCULINE.  Pk.  cat.  Lond.  iiort.  cat.  For. 

Abricotier  blanc.  N.  Duh.  | Abricot  Pdche.  N.  Duh. 

In  the  New  Duhamel  it  is  remarked,  that  this  variety  ha.s 
lieen  improperly  called  Abricot- Peche.  In  size  it  much  re- 


158 


APRICOTS. 


sembles  the  preceding  ; the  skin  is  a waxen  white,  slightly 
tinged  with  red  next  the  sun,  and  covered  with  a thicker  down 
than  other  varieties ; the  flesh  is  a very  pale  yellow,  and  even 
white  on  the  side  which  has  been  shaded,  not  very  high  fla- 
voured, but  better  and  more  delicate  than  that  of  the  preced- 
ing one ; partially  adhering  to  the  stone,  which  has  a bitter 
kernel.  The  tree  generally  produces  a great  deal  of  fruit, 
which  is  at  maturity  the  middle  of  July.  It  is  the  combined 
advantages  of  precocity  and  abundant  product  that  cause  this 
variety  to  be  generally  cultivated. 


PEACH  APRICOT.  Pr.  cat.  For.  Coxe. 

Abricotier  P^che.  N.  Duh.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

Ahncot  de  Nancy.  O.  Duh.  Roz. 

Abricot  de  Piemont,  or  Piedmont. 

Abricot  de  Wurtemberg. 

Abricot  de  Nuremberg. 

The  Peach  Apricot  which  the  New  Duhamel  state?  is  inap- 
propriately termed  Abricot  de  Nancy,  it  further  mentions  as  be- 
ing the  largest  and  the  best  of  all  that  were  then  known  at  Paris, 
often  measuring  more  than  two  inches  in  diameter  ; the  skin  is 
a fawn-yellow,  somewhat  marked  with  red  next  the  sun ; its 
flesh  is  likewise  of  a peculiar  yellow  hue,  approaching  a fawn- 
colour,  of  excellent  taste,  melting,  full  of  very  sweet  and 
highly  perfumed  juice  ; the  stone  is  oval,  compressed,  equally 
convex  on  both  sides,  and  is  thirteen  to  fourteen  lines  in  length, 
and  ten  to  eleven  in  breadth,  and  contains  a bitter  kernel ; the 
fruit  begins  ripening  in  the  early  part  of  August,  and  it  con- 
tinues to  mature  by  degrees  during  the  residue  of  the  month. 

This  variety  is  originally  from  Piedmont,  whence  it  Avas  first 
transmitted  to  Provence  and  Languedoc  ; and  although  it  is  not 
at  most  forty  years  since  it  was  carried  from  Pezenas  to  Paris, 
it  is  there  cultivated  in  preference  to  the  Abricot  commun  or 
Roman  Apricot  in  most  of  the  gardens  and  nurseries  around 
the  metropolis,  where  it  will  perhaps  cause  the  culture  of  some 
other  varieties  to  be  discontinued  whose  fruits  are  inferior  to 


APlllCOTJs. 


159 


this.  It  forms  a tree  of  more  vigour  and  of  larger  size  than 
the  Roman  variety.  In  France  it  is  much  cultivated  in  the 
espalier  form,  but  dt  grows  equally  well  cultivated  as  a 
standard,  and  in  the  latter  case  the  quality  of  the  fruit  is 
improved,  and  it  acquires  a delicious  taste.  The  tree  is  some- 
times so  very  productive,  that  unless  the  fruit  is  thinned  out,  it 
will  not  attain  its  proper  size.  > 


MONSTROUS  PEACH  APRICOT.  Pr.  cat. 

Largest  Peach,  Pr.  cat.  25  ed. 

P^che  d irh  gros  fruit. 

A number  of  varieties  have  been  obtained  in  France  from 
seeds  of  the  preceding  one,  among  which  the  most  noted  is  the 
present  sort,  which  has  there  received  the  French  title  quoted 
above,  as  a synonyme,  on  account  of  its  exceeding  its  parent 
in  size.  The  growth  of  the  tree  is  remarkably  strong,  and 
the  fruit  is  one  of  the  most  esteemed,  but  does  not  material^ 
vary  in  its  colour  from  the  variety  before  described.  I im- 
ported it  from  the  South  of  France,  with  a number  of  others  of 
great  excellence.  Like  the  preceding,  it  requires  that  the  fruit 
should  be  thinned  out  when  the  tree  is  too  much  loaded  with  it. 


ALBERGE.  Pr.  cat.  O.  Duh.  Roz. 

Abricot  Alhergier.  N.  Duh.  | Albergier  ordinaire. 

The  leaves  of  this  tree  difter  somewhat  from  those  of  others, 
because  they  have  usually  at  their  base  and  upon  their  petiole 
two  small  appendages  or  ears.  The  fruit  is  rather  compressed 
and  of  small  size,  measuring  about  fifteen  lines  in  its  greatest 
diameter ; the  skin  is  a greenish  yellow  on  the  shaded  side, 
and  a dark  yellow  with  some  touclies  of  brownish  red  next  the 
sun  ; the  flesh  is  yellow,  approaching  to  red,  partially  melting, 
of  a vinous  and  very  rich  taste  ; the  stone  is  more  compressed 
than  those  of  other  varieties,  and  the  kernel  is  bitter ; the  fruit 


100 


APKICOT^. 


is  at  maturity  about  the  middle  of  August ; it  is  much  supe- 
rior when  produced  on  standards  to  that  produced  on  espaliers, 
and  in  consequence  is  seldom  cultivated  in  France  after  the 
latter  mode.  In  the  environs  of  Tours,  where  this  variety  is 
very  extensively  disseminated^  they  propagate  it  from  the  stone, 
which  is  found  to  answer  instead  of  propagating  by  inoculat- 
ing, &LC.  Excellent  preserves  are  made  in  many  parts  of 
France  with  this  fruit,  and  there  are  also  two  other  esteemed 
varieties  of  it,  called  Albergier  de  Montgamet,  and  Albergier 
de  Tours. 


TURKEY.  Pr.  cat.  Mil.  For.  Lond.  iiort.  cat. 

Large  I'urkey,  of  some  nurseries. 

Abricot  de  Nancy.  O.  Duh.  vol.  i.  p.  144.  tab.  6. 

It  will  be  perceived  by  the  synonyme  last  quoted,  which  I 
extract  from  the  Pomological  Magazine,  that  the  Turkey  Apri- 
cot is  therein  deemed  to  be  the  same  as  the  one  I have  already 
described  under  the  title  of  Peach  Apricot.  Without  doubt- 
ing that  such  may  be  the  fact,  I copy  the  details  and  descrip- 
tion there  given,  in  order  to  elicit  investigation. 

“ An  excellent  apricot,  scarcely  known  in  the  gardens  of 
this  country,  (England)  but  in  good  quality  little  inferior  to 
the  Moorpark,  from  which  it  is  to  be  certainly  distinguished 
by  its  figure  being  round,  not  compressed  ; its  skin  much  more 
transparent,  and  less  deeply  stained  with  red  ; its  stone  with- 
out an  open  passage  through  it ; and  especially  by  its  kernel 
being  sweet  like  an  almond,  not  bitter. 

“ About  London  it  ripens  on  a south  wall  in  the  middle  of 
August ; on  an  east  or  west  wall  it  would,  of  course,  arrive  at 
perfection  rather  later.  No  gardens  in  which  apricots  are  va- 
lued should  be  without  this. 

“ Duhamel  says  that  it  is  sometimes  called  the  Abricot 
Peche,  but  we  believe  all  the  trees  in  this  country,  (England) 
known  by  that  name,  are  the  Moorpark. 

Wood  strong,  short-jointed,  rather  warted  at  the  lower 


APKICOTS. 


161 


end  of  the  yearling  branches  ; buds  not  particularly  promi- 
nent ; leaves  middle-sized  dark'  green,  .rather  evenly  serrated’, 
slightly  concave,  roundish,  accuminate  ; flowers  of  the  ordinary 
size  and  appearance  ; fruit  about  the  middle  size,  very  hand- 
some deep- yellow,  with  a number  of  rich  brownish  orange-red 
spots  and  blotches  next  the  sun — in  form  nearly  spherical, -not 
compressed  like  the  Moorpark  ; flesh  pale  yellow,  firm,  juicy, 
sweet,  with  a little  acid,  very  rich  and  excellent ; stone  sepa- 
rating freely;  in  figure  like  that  of  the  Moorpark,  but  without 
the  hole  of  that  variety ; kernel  quite  sweet,  like  that  of  an 
almond.” 

MOORPARK.  Pr.cat.  For. 

Anson^s.  j Dunmore^s  Breda. 

Dunmore^s.  [ Templets, 

Abricot  p^che,  of  many  English  collections. 

This  variety,  so  far  as  my  experience  goes,  differs  from  the 
Peach  apricot  in  its  growth  and  foliage,  although  the. two  fruits 
exceedingly  resemble  each  other.  It  is  of  large  size,  of  a fine 
bright  yellow  or  orange  colour,  mottled  or  spotted  with  red 
next  the  sun ; the  flesh  is  also  of  a bright  orange  hue,  rich, 
juicy,  and  excellent — in  fact,  this  fruit  is  one  of  the  most  es- 
teemed ; it  ripens  at  the  end  of  July  or  early  in  August,  and 
the  stone  is  remarkable  for  having  a passage  or  hole  in  the  side 
through  which  a needle  may  be  easily  passed. 

BLOTCHED  LEAVED.  Pii.  cat.  For. 

Blotched  leaved  Turkey.  Lond.  Hort.  cat.  Pr.  caf.  25  ed. 

Gold  blotched. 

Variegated  Turkey. 

Striped  Turkey. 

Abricot  macule^  i 

Abricot  d feuilles  panaches ^ > of  the  French. 

Abricot  de  Messine,  y 

The  fruit  of  this  apricot  does  not  difler  essentially  from  tlie 
Roman,  of  which  it  is  a variety  ; its  leaves  however  are  pecu- 
liarly variegated,  most  of  them  having  near  the  centre  a large 
yellowish  spot,  presenting  a very  singular  appearance,  by  which 
the  tree  may  be  readily  distinguished  from  all  the  other  kinds  > 

21 


162 


AJfKICOTS. 


ALEXANDRIAN.  Pk.cat.  • 

'Abricotier  d' Alexandrie.  N.  Duh.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

This  variety  is  of  medium  size,  of  a greenish  yellow  colour 
on  the  shaded  side,  and  a bright  red  next  the  sun  ; the  flesh  is 
yellowish  white, veined  with  red,  and  very  sweet.  It  is  particularly 
esteemed  in  the  south  of  France,  where  the  heat  of  the  climate 
imparts  to  it  an  excellent  taste,  but  is  not  much  cultivated  at 
Paris,  because  it  blossoms  too  early,  and  would  consequently 
be  very  much  exposed  to  the  frosts  from  which  the  first  part  of 
the  spring  is  there  seldom  exempt.  I have  cultivated  this  va- 
riety for  a number  of  years,  and  found  it  to  succeed  well  here 
and  in  other  localities  near  New-York. 

PORTUGAL.  .Pe.cat. 

Abricotdd  Portugal.  Duh.  Roz.  ’ Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

Abricotmale. 

This  does  not  form  so  large  a tree  as  the  common  varieties, 
the  fruit  is  • also  one  of  the  smallest  of  its  class,  being  seldom 
more  than  fourteen  lines  in  diameter  ; its  skin  is  a light  yel- 
low, marked  only  on  the  side  next  the  sun  with  some  spots, 
part  of  which  are  red  and  the  others  of  a brownish  hue;  the 
flesh  is  also  but  partially  coloured,  delicate,  melting,  high  fla- 
voured, and  slightly  adhering  to  the  stone,  which  is  almost 
smooth,  and  contains  a bitter  kernel.  This  fruit  is  at  maturity 
about  the  middle  of  August. 

ROYAL.  pR.  CAT.  Pom.  mag. 

Abricot  Royal.  Bon  Jard.  Nois.  man.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

This  excellent  variety,  recently  introduced  to  our  country, 
is  thus  described  in  the  Pomologi'cal  Magazine. 

“ The  authors  of  the  Bon  Jardinier,  in  which  work  this 
first  appeared  in  1826,  pronounce  the  present  variety  to  be  even 


APRICOTS. 


163 


superior  to  the  Moorpark,  their  Abricot  Peche,  and  with  some 
justice.  It  ripens  from  a week  to  ten  days  before  that  kind, 
possesses  all  its  good  qualities,  and  is  less  subject  to  be  imper- 
fectly matured  on  one  side.  Its  flesh  when  bruised  becomes 
transparent.  It  may  be  readily  distinguished  from  the  Moor- 
park, not  only  by  these  characters,  but  also  by  the  passage  in 
the  edge  of  its  stone  being  scarcely  pervious,  by  its  form  being 
less  compressed,  and  by  its  not  acquiring  the  size  of  the  Moor- 
park. 

“ Raised  a few  years  since  in  the  Royal  Garden  of  the 
Luxembourg,  whence  a plant  was  sent  to  the  London  Horti- 
cultura'l  Society,  by  M.  Hervy,  the  director. 

“ Wood  strong,  rather  longer  jointed  than  the  Moofpark — 
when  ripe,  closely  marked  with  pale  transverse  specks,  ap- 
pearing through  the  openings  of  the  epidermis  ; leaves  very 
large,  roundish-cordate  or  ovate,  in  some  degree  cucullate, 
generally  auricled  at  the  base,  petiole  with  about  six  equidis- 
tant glands,  a character,  however,  which  is  too  variable  to  be 
of  importance  in  apricots  ; flowers  of  the  ordinary  size  ; fruit 
next  in  size  to  the  Moorpark,  rather  oval,  slightly  compressed, 
of  a dull  yellow,  slightly  coloured  with  red  on  a small  space ; 
suture  shallow  ; flesh  pale  orange,  very  firm,  juicy,  sweet,  and 
high  flavoured,  with  a slight  degree  of* acidity;  stone  large, 
oval,  not  adhering  to  the  flesh,  blunt  at  each  end,  with  scarcely 
any  passage  on  the  edge  ; kernel  slightly  bitter,  much  less  so 
than  the  Moorpark.” 


ORANGE.  Pr.  cat.  Mil.  For.  Lond.  hobtvcat. 

Early  Orange. 

This  variety  is  of  rather  jarge  size,  but  somewhat  dryland 
insipid,  except  the  exposition  be  a warm  and  favourable  one,  and 
on  this  account  it  is  deemed  more  suitable  for  tarts  and  pre- 
serves than  for  the  table,  and  no  tarts  are  more  exquisite  than 
those  made  from  the  fruits  of  this  class,  which  far  surpass  those 
made  of  green  rhubarb,  gooseberries,  &;c.  The  colour  is  a 


164 


APRICOTS. 


deep  yellow,  touched  with  red  next  the  sun  when  at  perfect 
maturity,  which  is  in  the  month  of  July.  There  is  another 
fine  variety  called  the  Royal  Orange  apricot. 


BRUSSELS.  Pr.  cat.  Mil.  For.'  Lond.  hort.  Cat; 

Although  the  fruit  of  this  variety  is  inferior  to  those  of  the 
first  class,  still  it  is  held  in  much  esteem  on  account  of  pro- 
ducing abundantly  both  on  standards  and  dwarfs.  It  is  of 
medium  size,  greenish  yellow  on  the  shaded  side,  and  tinged 
with  red,  with  many  dark  spots  on  the  side  exposed  to  the  sun  ; 
it  has  a lively  flavour,  and  is  not  subject  to  become  dry  and 
meally ; it  ripens  in  August,  being  one  of  the  later  varieties. 


BREDA.  pR.  CAT.  Mil.  For.  Lond.  hort.  cat. 

Although  this  is  said  by  many  to  be  the  same  as  the  Holland 
apricot,  I think  the  fact  is  yet  not  satisfactorily  ascertained ; 
and  as  the  English  claim  to  have  brought  this  variety  direct 
from  Africa  to  England,;  there  exists  good  reason  to  doubt  the 
point  of  identity.  This  is  of  a large  size,  the  form  round,  and 
the  colour  deep  yellow ; the  flesh  is  delicate,  rich,  and  juicy, 
particularly  on  standard  trees.  It  is  deemed  an  excellent  fruit, 
and  ripens  towards  the  end  of  July  or  early  in  August,  ac- 
cording to  the  locality  and  exposition. 


' . ALGIERS.  Pr.  CAT.  Mil.  For,- 

White  Algiers.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

This  fruit  is  rather  more  oval  in  its  form  than  the  generality 
of  its  class,  and  is  also  somewhat  flattened  or  compressed. 
It  is  of  a light  yellow  colour,  high  flavour,  and  juicy,  and 
ripens  about  the  end  of  July  or  commencement  of  August, 


APKICOTS. 


165 


HOLLAND.  Pr.  cat. 

Abrrcot  de  Hollar de.  Duh.  Roz.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

Ahricotier  Aveline.  N.  Duh. 

Amande  Aveline.  Oi  Duh.  Roz. 

This  is  a small  fruit,  almost  globular,  and  about  fifteen  lines 
in  diameter  ; the  longitudinal  groove  which  extends  from  the 
base  to  the  summit  is  very  apparent,  although  not  deep,  and 
its  sides  are  generally  uneven.  The  skin  is  a beautiful  yellow 
on  the  shaded  -side,  and  a dark  red  on  that  which  is  exposed  to 
the  sun  ; the  flesh  is  a dark  yellow,  and  of  a rich  and  excel- 
lent flavour ; the  stone  is  of  a round-oval  form,  seven  lines  in 
length,  and  half  that  in  thickness  ; it  encloses  a kernel,  which 
is  not  only  free  from  bitterness,  but  on  the  contrary,  is  of  very 
pleasant  taste,  resembling  considerably  that  of  a filbert  or  a 
sweet  almond.  This  apricot  is  ope  of  the  best  varieties  ; the 
tree  is  very  productive  and  seldom  fails  to  bear  well  in  the  es- 
palier form.  Duhamel  states  that  it  .yields  the  most  fruit 
when  propagated  on  the  cherry  plum,  and  that  the  fruit  is 
larger  in  size  but  less  in  quantity  when  budded  on  the  St.  Ju- 
lien.  It  can  also  be  increased  from  the  seed  without  inoculat- 
ing, in  which  case  the  roots  are  as  red  as  coral.  • 

ROMAN.  Pr.  cat.  Pom.  mag.  Mil.  Lang.  pom.  For. 

Lond.  hort.  cat. 

Abricot  commun.  O.  Duh.  and  other  French  writers  and  catalogues. 
Die  Gemeine  Apricose.  Christ.  Tasch. 

Die  grosse  Gemeine  Apricose.  Mayer. 

This  variety  being  very  particularly  described  in  the  Pomo- 
logical  Magazine,  I extract  the  following  therefrom. 

The  most  common  apricot  that  is  cultivated,  and  with  the 
exception  perhaps  of  the  Masculine,  the  worst.  It  is  not, 
therefore,  its  merits  that  has  gained  it  a place  in  this  work : 
but  the  being  an  old  variety,  which  has  acquired  a station  it 
does  not  deserve, — its  only  good  quality  being  its  productive- 


Ifltt  APRICOTS. 

ness.  In  the  g-ardens  and  nurseries  it  is  continually  confound- 
ed with  other  sorts,  particularly  with  the  Turkey  and  the  Brus- 
sels,— two  kinds  superior  in  quality,  especially  the  former,  and 
both  of  which  ripen  some  days  later  : the  former  is  distin- 
guished by  its  finer,  rounder,  more  highly  coloured,  firm  and 
rich  fruit,  with  a sweet  kernel ; the  latter  by  the  deep  colour 
of  its  skin,  even  on  a wall,  and  its  firm,  juicy,  subacid  pulp. 
The  French  do  not  appear  to  distinguish  the  Brussels  from  the 
Roman,  both  of  which  are  probably  comprehended  under  their 
Abricot  commun ; and  it  must  be  confessed  that  they  are  very 
similar. 

“ The  Blotched-leaved  Turkey  apricot  of  the  nurseries, 
which  is  the  Abricot  macule  of  the  French,  is  a variety  of  the 
Roman,  differing  only  in  having  variegated  leaves. 

“ Bears  abundantly  on  an  east  wall,  where  the  fruit  ripens 
in  the  beginning  of  August*:  as  a standard,  it  acquires  more 
colour  and  flavour. 

“ Wood  very  smooth,  rather  short-jointed,  reddish  brown, 
when  young  not  much  speckled,  but  becoming  conspicuously 
so  when  older ; buds  prominent ; leaves  large  and  broad,  cor- 
date, irregularly  crenated,  between  flat  and  concave ; petioles 
about  an  inch  and  a half  long,  brownish,  with  a few  sessile, 
globose  glands;  -flowers  of  the  ordinary  size  and  appearance; 
fruit  middle-sized,  dull  straw-colour,  with  a little  dotting  on  the 
sunny  side  of  orange  or  red,  but  in  such  small  quantity  that 
the  skin  has  always  a pallid  appearance  ; in  form  slightly  com- 
pressed, inclining  to  oval,  with  a shallow  suture,  through  which 
the  fruit  can  be  readily,  when  ripe,  separated  into  two  halves 
by  a slight  pressure  on  each  side  of  the  base  ; flesh  dull  pale 
straw-colour,  soft,  dry,  mealy,  with  a little  sweetness  and  aci- 
dity, but  on  the  whole  very  insipid  and  indifferent — it  is  only 
tolerable  when  rather  unripe  ; stone  flat,  oblong,  rather  obtuse 
at  each  end,  with  a very  even  surface,  separating  wholly  from 
the  flesh,  except  at  the  base — it  is  generally  divided  from  the 
flesh  by  a little  cavity  when  the  fruit  is  fully  ripe  ; kernel  very 
bitter.” 

Although  it  appears  from  the  above  description  that  this 


APlllCOTS. 


167 


variety  is  not  much  valued  in  England,  I have  tasted  some 
which  were  of  very  good  quality,  our  hot  sun  probably  caus- 
ing a more  perfect  maturity  of  the  fruit.  . 

MUSCH-MUSCH.  Pr.cat.  Loin d.  hort.  cat. 

Ahricot  Mmcli.  | Gros  Miisclu 

This  highly  esteemed  variety  was  brought  a few  years  since 
from  the  city  of  Musch,  on  the  frontiers  of  Turkey,  adjoining 
Persia.  It  is  described  by  European  authors  to  be  round,  of 
a deep  yellow  colour,  remarkable  for  the  transparency  of  its 
pulp,  through  which  the  stone  is  perceptible ; the  flesh  very 
delicate  and  pleasant ; the  fruit  ripens  about  the  middle  of 
J uly . The  Bon  J ardinier  I perceive  describes  two  v arieties  of  it ; 
but  as  this  practice  is  very  prevalent  in  .that  work,  the  exist- 
ence of  more  than  one  is  a matter  of  doubt. 


RED  ANGOUMOIS.  Pr.  cat. 

Abricotier  rouge  ou  Angoumois.  N.  Dull. 

Angoumois.  O'.  Duh.  Roz.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

Ahricot  violet.  Lux.  cat. 

This  variety  does  not  form  so  large  a tree  as  the  Roman  and 
most  other  varieties ; its  leaves  vary  considerably  from  the  usual 
form  of  the  other  kinds,  being  of  greater  length  than  breadth, 
nearly  oval,  and  commonly  attended  with  two  small  ears  or 
appendages  at  their  base  ; the  fruit  is  small,  often  oblong,  and 
from  fourteen  to  sixteen  lines  in  its  greatest  diameter — the 
groove  which  extends  from  the  base  to  the  apex  is  not  very  ap- 
parent ; the  skin  is  a reddish  yellow  where  shaded,  and  a fine 
vinous  red  with  some  brownish  specks  next  the  sun  ; the  flesh 
is  also  yellow  approaching  to  red,  melting,  and  of  a very  rich 
and  very  pleasant  vinous  flavour,  with  a slight  degree  of  aci- 
dity, and  a strong  and  penetrating  odour ; the  stone  does  not 
adhere  in  the  least  to  the  flesh,  its  form  is  almost  round,  and  it 
contains  a sweet  kernel,  which  has  the  taste  of  a fresh  filbert. 


168 


APiaCOTSJ. 


and  even  its  skin  has  scarcely  any  bitterness.  This  variety 
ripens  at  Paris  early  in  July  and  rather  before  the  Roman  ; 
the  tree  seems  to  flourish  most  in  calcareous  soils,  and  succeeds 
best  in  an  open  exposure  and  free  atmosphere  ; in  the  espalier 
form  it  does  not  do  well  and  produces  but  little.  This  fine 
apricot  is  stated  to  be  yet  rare  in  the  environs  of  Paris,  but  is 
common  in  the  French  provinces  of  Guienne,  Anjou,  Lyons, 
and  Dauphiny,  where  it  is  preferred  to  the  other  kinds,  which 
they  deem  too  insipid. 


' PROVENCE.  Pr.  cat. 

Ahricot  de  Provence.  Duh.  Roz.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

This  variety  resembles  the  Angoumois;  it  is  tolerably  pro- 
ductive, and  succeeds  as  well  in  the  espalier  as  in  the  stan- 
dard form  ; its  leaves  are  small,  almost  round,  and  terminated 
by  a pretty  broad  point;  the*  fruit-is  small,  slightly  flattened, 
and  fifteen  to  sixteen  lines  in  its  greatest  diameter,  and  the 
groove,  which  is  deeper  than  in  other  varieties,  has  one  of  its 
sides  more  projecting  than  the  other ; the  skin  is  yellow  on  the 
shaded  side,  and  bright  red  next  the  sun  ; the  flesh  is  a very 
deep  yellow,  less  melting  than  that  of  the  Angoumois,  but  of 
a rich  and  very  aromatic  vinous  flavour ; the  stone  is  uneven, 
and  contains  a sweet  kernel ; the  fruit  is  at  maturity  in  the 
Parisian  climate,  as  well  as  in  this  vicinity,  the  end  of  July  or 
beginning  of  August,  according  to  the  exposition.  I imported 
this  variety  a few  years  since  from  a source  I presume  to  be 
one  of  the  most  accurate,  and  I find  the  trees  I have  propa- 
gated to  be  remarkable  for  their  vigorous  and  rapid  growth. 

APRICOT  OF  NOOR.  Pr.  cat. 

Abricotier  de  Noor.  N.  Duh. 

This  new  variety,  which  of  late  years  only  has  been  culti- 
vated in  the  Imperial  Luxembourg  nursery,  is  thus  described 


ArmcoTs. 


1G9 


by  M.  Hervy,  late  director  of  that  establishment,  in  a commu- 
nication to  the  editors  of  the  New  Duhamel. 

This  variety  was  obtained  from  the  seed  ; the  fruit  is  of  less 
size  than  the  Peach  apricot,  and  generally  of  oval  form  ; the 
stem  is  inserted  within  around,  broad,  and  rather  deep  cavity; 
the  groove  at  the  side  of  the  fruit,  which  extends  its  whole 
length,  is  very  apparent,  and  continues  so  even  at  the  period 
of  perfect  maturity;  the  skin  is  a yellowish  green,  slightly  co- 
loured, and  covered  with  very  fine  down  ; the  flesh  is  light  red, 
melting,  and  of  a rich  and  agreeable  flavour ; the  stone  is  of 
medium  size,  swollen  at  its  sides,  and  its  two  edges  are  very 
projecting  ; the  kernel,  which  it  encloses  like  most  others  of  its 
class,  is  of  a bitter  taste.  This  variety  is  deemed  excellent  for 
its  flavour,  and  its  period  of  maturity  renders  it  still  more  in- 
teresting, as  at  Paris  it  scarcely  attains  to  maturity  until  about 
the  middle  of  September.  It  succeeds  equally  well  both  as  a 
standard  and  as  an  espalier. 


HEMSKIUKE.  Pom.  mag.  Pr.  cat.  Lond.  iiort.  cat. 

In  the  Pomologlcal  Magazine  the  following  details  are 
given  in  regard  to  this  fruit. 

“ The  origin  of  this  variety  is  not  known.  It  was  sold  by 
the  late  Mr.  Lee  under  the  present  name,  but  has  hitherto  es- 
caped public  notice,  of  which  its  great  good  qualities  render 
it  far  more  deserving  than  many  of  those  more  commonly 
known. 

“ It  bears  freely  on  an  east  wall,  where  it  ripens  thoroughly 
by  the  end  of  July,  acquiring  a high  luscious  flavour,  superior 
even  to  that  of  the  Moorpark.  From  the  Royal  apricot  it 
difl'ers  in  having  a more  tender  flesh  and  richer  flavour,  and 
also  in  the  greater  sweetness  of  its  kernel. 

“ Wood  short-jointed,  like  that  of  the  Moorpark,  with  en- 
larged projections  under  the  buds  ; leaves  broad,  deep  green, 
very  like  those  of  the  Moorpark  ; flowers  of  the  ordinary  cha- 
racter. It  may  be  here  remarked,  that  apricots  do  not  vary 
in  their  flowers,  except  the  Masculines,  in  which  they  are 

22 


170 


APRICOTS. 


smaller  than  ordinary.  Fruit  middle-sized,  roundish,  slightly 
compressed,  very  like  a small  Moorpark,  from  which  it  is  only 
distinguished  externally  by  its  size  ; flesh  very  bright  deep  clear 
orange,  more  tender  and  juicy  than  the  Moorpark,  with  a par- 
ticularly rich  delicate  flavour,  resembling  that  of  an  excellent 
Green  Gage  plum  ; stone  much  smaller  than  that  of  the  Moor- 
park, without  a pervious  passage ; kernel  nearly  sweet.” 


BLACK  APRICOT.  Pr.  cat. 


N.  Dull. 


Black  fruited  Apricot. 

Fope^s  Apricot. 

Ahricotier  noir,  > 

Armeniaca  atro-purpurea,  ^ 

Abricot  violet, 

Ahricot  du  Pape, 

Ahricotier  dfeuilles  de  Prunier 
Armeniaca  dasycarpa.  Pers.  synop. 

Primus  dasycarpa.  APilld.  Sp.  Ehrh.  Beitr. 
Plum, leaved  Apricot. 

Small  black  Apricot.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 


ier,  I 


of  many  European 
catalogues. 


'This  tree  is  the  strongest  and  most  rapid  in  its  growth  of 
its  class  ; it  does  not  however  incline  to  grow  so  lofty  as  some 
others,  but  spreads  its  branches  widely,  and  forms  a large  broad 
head  like  the  common  Cherry  plum,  and  it  may  be  considered 
a fruit  intermediate  between  the  plum  and  the  apricot.  Duha- 
mel  states  that  its  native  country  is  not  knowTi,  but  that  it  is 
supposed  to  have  originated  in  the  east ; other  wTiters  remark 
that  Siberia  is  its  native  country.  Be  this  point  as  it  may,  it 
is  a tree  of  most  hardy  character,  and  I think  far  more  so  than 
any  other  of  its  class.  Duhamel  mentions  that  the  trunk  is 
almost  invariably  crooked,  but  I have  not  found  it  particularly 
so  ; the  bark  is  peculiar,  and  of  an  ash-gray  colour,  with  nu- 
merous cracks  and  crevices ; the  leaves  are  oval,  two  inches 
in  length,  very  finely  indented,  smooth,  shining  on  the  under 
side,  and  borne  on  petioles  of  about  an  inch  long,  which  have 
two  to  four  small  glands ; the  flowers  are  usually  white, 
about  an  inch  in  breadth,  generally  solitary  and  dispersed  one 


APRICOTS. 


m 


by  one  at  those  points  which  formed  the  axils  of  the  leaves  the 
previous  year ; the  fruit  is  round,  very  slightly  compressed,  of 
moderate  size,  measuring  from  thirteen  to  fifteen  lines  in  its 
greatest  diameter,  and  supported  on  peduncles  of  four  to  five 
lines  in  length ; the  skin  is  a violet  red,  very  dark  or  blackish, 
on  one  side  somewhat  velvety,  and  is  marked  by  a longitudi- 
nal line,  which  extends  from  the  insertion  of  the  peduncle  to 
the  summit  of  the  fruit ; this  line  is  only  remarkable  for  its 
colour,  but  does  not  form  a distinct  groove ; the  flesh  is  reddish, 
especially  that  part  which  is  near  the  skin,  the  residue  is  yellow 
or  a brownish-fawn  colour  and  strongly  adheres  to  the  stone  ; 
the  flavour  is  sweet,  not  very  rich,  and  is  sometimes  attend- 
ed with  a small  degree  of  bitterness  or  sharpness,  similar  to 
that  of  particular  Damask  plums  ; the  stone  considerably  re- 
sembles that  of  a plum,  and  is  seven  and  a half  to  eight  lines 
in  length,  and  six  and  a half  to  seven  in  breadtli,  and  termi- 
nates in  an  acute  point ; the  sides  are  compressed,  and  one  is 
rather  more  convex  than  the  other ; the  period  at  which  the 
fruit  ripens  is  later  than  that  of  most  other  varieties,  being 
usually  the  latter  part  of  August,  and  sometimes  the  first  of 
September.  It  is  both  pleasant  and  peculiar,  but  I have  not 
found  the  tree  to  bear  well,  perhaps  however  it  may  in  a differ- 
ent climate ; it  has  altogether  a wild  and  uncultivated  aspect, 
being  the  natural  variety  of  a species  distinct  from  other  apri- 
cots, but  we  may  expect  similar  improvements  in  the  seminal 
varieties  that  will  be  produced  from  it,  to  those  w hich  have  re- 
sulted from  a like  course  with  the  other  species  : and  it  is  sin- 
gular that  experiments  in  this  respect  have  not  been  already 
made,  as  it  is  by  the  varieties  of  this  species  that  we  may  be 
enabled  to  extend  the  successful  culture  of  the  apricot  much 
farther  to  the  north,  for  it  is  my  belief  that  this  species  will 
support  the  winters  of  Lower  Canada. 


172 


APllICOTS. 


PURPLE  peach-leaved.  Pk.  cat. 

Black  peach-leaved. 

Peach-leaved. 

Ahricotier  d feuilles  de  Pecher, 

Armcniaca  persiccpfoUa, 

Purple  friiiled. 

This  is  a variety  of  the  preceding,  and  although  the  foliage 
is  very  different,  the  leaves  of  this  being  longer,  narrower,  and 
irregularly  indented,  still  it  is  so  closely  allied  in  reality,  that 
branches  will  often  present  themselves  on  the  trees  of  this  va- 
riety, bearing  the  foliage  of  tlie  other,  and  by  their  great  con- 
trast on  the  same  tree,  they  form  a striking  singularity.  Some- 
times the  lower  section  of  a branch  will  exhibit  the  broad 
foliage  of  the  preceding  one,  and  the  upper  section  of  it  the 
narrow  leaves  peculiar  to  this.  The  fruit  is  the  same  as  the 
other  variety,  and  the  tree  equally  hardy. 

SIRERIAN.  Pk.  cat. 

Ahricotier  de  Sihcrie.  N.  Duh. 

Armcniaca  Sibirica.  N . Duh.  Pers.  synop.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 
Pru?ius  Sibirica.  Lin.  Pall.  Gmel.  Wild.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 
Siberian  Almond.  Pr.  cat.  25  ed. 

The  present  is  a distinct  species;  the  leaves  are  oval,  acute, 
dentated,  and  supported  upon  long  petioles,  measuring  six  lines 
or  thereabout ; the  fruit  is  sessile,  the  size  of  a small  plum,  and 
covered  with  a velvety  skin,  which  is  yellow  on  the  shaded  side, 
and  bright  red  next  the  sun ; the  flesh,  of  which  there  is  not  a 
great  deal,  is  fibrous,  almost  dry,  and  of  acid  flavour ; the 
stone  contains  a kernel  which  is  slightly  bitter.  This  species 
is  originally  from  Siberia,  where  it  grows  in  mountainous  local- 
ities, and  it  is  seldom  cultivated  except  in  Botanic  gardens.  It 
is  known  in  general  under  the  title  of  Siberian  Almond,  and  is 
so  placed  in  the  25th  edition  of  my  catalogue,  but  Duharnel 
having  ranged  it  in  the  class  of  apricots,  I have  now  adopted 
the  same  course.  In  the  London  Horticultural  Society’s  cata- 
logue, this  is  confused  with  the  Peach-leaved  apricot,  and  the 
two  are  united  as  one  fruit,  when  none  whateyer  are  more 
widely  distinct. 


N.  Dull. 


173 


PEACHES. 

/ 


EARLIEST  WHITE  NUTMEG.  Pk.  cat. 

Tjarly  white  Nutmeg.  Loud.  Hort.  cat. 

White  Nutmeg.  Loud.  Hort.  cat.  Mil.  For.,  A:c. 

Avant  Pdche  blanche.  Huh.  Roz.  Jard.  fruit.,  and  all  other 
French  writers. 

Avant  blanche^  of  some  French  catalogues. 

Green  Nutmeg,  of  some  gardens. 

Tins  F reiich  variety  many  pomologists  have  considered  synony- 
mous with  the  Common  White  Nutmeg  of  our  gardens ; but 
it  is  a very  different  fruit,  smaller  in  size  and  consequently  in- 
ferior in  value,  though  earlier  at  maturity.  The  genuine  kind 
1 have  now  under  culture  in  my  collection,  and  as  this  is  called 
the  White  Nutmeg  by  English  writers,  I have  added  the  term 
“ Earliest”  to  distinguish  it  from  our  more  common  variety. 

The  flowers  are  rather  large,  of  a very  pale  rose  colour  or 
nearly  white ; the  fruit  is  very  small,  being  not  more  than  an 
inch,  either  in  diameter  or  height ; it  is  on  one  side  marked 
with  a very  deep  groove,  extending  from  the  base  to  the  sum- 
mit, which  is  terminated  by  a small  pointed  tit  or  mamelon  ; the 
skin  is  delicate,  covered  with  down,  and  whitish  all  over,  and 
it  is  but  very  seldom  that  it  becomes  coloured  with  a slight  de- 
gree of  red,  even  on  the  sunny  side,  and  only  when  the  heat 
is  very  great  at  tlie  time  it  attains  to  maturity ; the  flesh  is 
white  even  next  to  the  stone,  succulent,  full  of  very  sweet 
juice,  wliich  possesses  also  a musky  perfume,  that  renders  it 
very  agreeable  ; the  stone  is  small,  whitish  or  partially  colour- 


1T4 


PEACHES. 


ed,  and  slightly  adhering  to  the  flesh.  This  is  the  earliest  of 
peaches,  ripening  at  the  beginning  of  July,  and  the  ants  are 
very  eager  to  attack  it. 

RED  NUTMEG.  Pr.  cat.  Lo^*D.  hort.  cat.  and  other 

^ ENGLISH  PUBLICATIONS. 

Red  or  scarlet  nutmeg.  Pr.  cat.  25  ed. 

Scarlet  niUmeg^  of  some  American  collections. 

de  Troyes,  ( other  French  authors. 

rouge,  J of  many  French  catalogues. 

This  tree  has  large  rose-coloured  flowers  ; the  fruit  is  larger 
than  that  of  the  preceding  variety,  being  fifteen  to  sixteen  lines 
in  diameter,  by  thirteen  to  fourteen  in  height ; the  longitudi- 
nal groove,  which  divides  it  lengthwise  on  one  side,  is  not 
deep,  and  it  is  but  seldom  that  it  terminates  in  a mamelon  or 
tit,  but  there  are  two  small  cavities  at  the  place  where  that 
would  have  been  situated ; the  skin  covered  with  down,  is  of 
a pale  yellow'  colour  where  shaded,  and  tinged  with  bright  red 
next  the  sun ; the  flesh  is  white,  melting,  slightly  touched  wdth 
red  under  the  skin  on  the  sunny  side,  but  without  any  red 
fibres  near  the  stone,  and  is  full  of  juice,  possessing  a sweet 
and  musky  flavour  ; the  stone  is  seven  lines  in  length,  six  in 
diameter,  and  five  in  thickness — it  in  general  separates  pretty 
easily  from  the  flesh,  but  at  other  times  cannot  be  detached 
without  much  difficulty ; it  is  at  maturity  about  the  end  of 
July  or  early  in  August,  and  the  ants  and  earw'igs  are  very 
partial  to  it. 


SMALL,  OR  PETITE  MIGNONNE.  Pr.  cat. 

Retite  Mignomie,  ^ 

Double  de  Troyes,  > Duh. 

Peche  de  Troyes,  j 

This  variety,  besides  being  larger  than  the  Red  Nutmeg,  is 
also  distinguished  from  it  by  its  small  flowers  of  a very  pale 
rose  colour,  which  are  but  eight  to  eight  and  a half  lines  in 


PEACHES. 


175 


diameter  ; the  leaves  are  furnished  at  their  base  with  reniform 
glands ; the  fruit  is  commonly  seventeen  to  eighteen  lines  in 
diameter,  and  in  general  nearly  of  equal  height ; one  of  its 
sides  is  marked  by  a longitudinal  groove,  not  very  distinct, 
and  the  summit  is  terminated  by  a very  small  tit  or  point ; the 
skin  is  thin,  covered  with  down,  and  tinged  with  red  next  the 
sun,  the  residue  being  wholly  whitish,  or  sometimes  more 
or  less  speckled  with  red  dots ; the  flesh  is  white,  partially 
melting,  rather  sweet,  and  considerably  perfumed,  and  sepa- 
rates readily  from  the  stone,  which  is  whitish  or  a very  light 
brownish  red,  and  is  but  eight  lines  in  length,  six  in  breadth, 
and  five  in  thickness.  This  is  one  of  the  first  peaches  in  rip- 
ening, and  in  early  seasons  is  in  eating  at  the  end  of  July,  and 
in  ordinary  years  about  the  middle  of  August. 


NOBLESSE.  Pr.  cat.  Pom.  mag. 


Noblesse,  of  all  English  writers,  beginning  with  Switzer  in  1724. 
Noblest.  Miller,  No.  13,  ed.  8. 

Mellish’s  Favourite,  of  the  English  gardens. 

Double  Montague.  Lond.  Hort.  Soc.  cat.  No.  48. 


Malta, 

English  Malta  ? 


of  some  American  collections. 


The  following  very  complete  description  of  this  fruit  I 
transcribe  from  the  Pomological  Magazine. 

“ Flowers  large,  pale  blush  ; leaves  serrated,  glandless ; 
fruit  large,  in  general  of  a roundish  shape,  somewhat  hollow, 
the  shape  of  the  fruit  varies  on  the  same  tree,  being  often  a 
little  elongated,  with  a large  point  on  the  summit ; skin  slightly 
downy,  marbled  dull  red  next  the  sun,  somewhat  streaked  with 
darker,  breaking  oft*  in  faint  blotches  towards  the  shaded  side, 
which  is  pale  yellowish  green ; flesh  white  to  the  stone,  from 
which  it  parts  freely,  melting  and  rich  ; stone  large,  pale,  obo- 
vate,  pointed  ; ripens  in  the  end  of  August  or  beginning  of 
September.  It  is  one  of  the  principal  sorts  for  forcing.  The 
tree  is  hardy  and  a good  bearer.” 

Switzer  in  his  “ Practical  Fruit  Gardener,”  published  in 
London  in  1824,  speaks  thus  of  the  Noblesse  of  his  time : 


17G 


PEACHES. 


“ The  Noblesse  peach,  for  largeness,  good  taste,  and  the 
hardiness  and  the  durableness  of  the  tree,  is  not  equalled,  much 
less  excelled,  by  any  fruit  we  have  in  England  ; perfectly 
agreeing  with  our  soil  and  climate,  as  much  as  if  it  had  been 
a native  of  our  own.  It  succeeds  the  Montauban,  and  for  size 
improves  upon  him.  The  flowers  are  of  the  whitish  pale  blush, 
and  the  leaves  somewhat  serrated  ; in  short,  it  is  the  best  peach 
(take  it  altogether)  of  any  we  have  had  from  France;  and  a 
man  that  is  content  with,  or  has  but  room  for  a few,  cannot  do 
better  than  to  plant  the  Montauban  and  Noblesse  peach,  pre- 
ferable to  any  other.” 

Hence  it  appears  that  this  celebrated  variety  is  of  French 
origin,  and  yet  it  is  singular  that  it  has  not  hitherto  been  iden- 
tified with  any  thing  in  the  modern  French  gardens.  This  has 
induced  me  to  put  together  the  following  remarks  : 

“ The  Noblesse  peach  is  in  the  section  of  ‘ serrated  gland- 
less leaves,  large  flowers,  melters,’  of  Mr.  Lindley’s  classifica- 
tion. The  French  include  in  this  section,  according  to  the 
‘ Bon  Jardinier,’  the  Avant-Peche  Blanche  (White  Nutmeg, 
sillier,)  Madeleine  Blanche,  de  Malta,  Madeleine  de  Courson, 
Cardinale,  d’lspahan,  and  Nain. 

“The  three  last  are  peculiar  sorts,  not  generally  cultivated, 
nor  does  the  merit  of  their  fruit  deserve  that  they  should  be  ; 
and  the  first  is  only  cultivated  for  its  precocity.  The  Made- 
leine de  Courson  is  bright  red  next  the  sun,  and  mottled  with 
small  dots  towards  the  shaded  side,  not  marbled  with  blotches 
like  the  Noblesse,  and  its  flesh  is  red  at  the  stone.  The  Peche 
de  Malta,  as  the  French  likewise  admit,  has  an  affinity  to  the 
Madeleine  Blanche  or  the  Montague  Blanche,  and  to  these 
the  Noblesse  is  nearly  allied,  by  its  colour  outwardly,  the  na- 
ture and  colour  of  its  flesh,  and  in  being  also  white  to  the 
stone  ; but  it  is  nevertheless  different,  being  larger. 

“ The  Double  Montagne  has  proved  s3uion3'mous  to  the 
Noblesse.  Knoop  describes  the  Madeleine  Blanche  and  ad- 
mits it  to  be  the  same  as  that  called  in  the  Low  Countries  the 
Montagne  Blanche.  He  also  describes  the  Double  Montagne, 
but  speaks  of  it  with  more  uncertainty.  He  states  it  to  be  a 


I 


PEACHES.  177 

clingstone  ; but  this  he  does  of  many  others  well  known  to  be 
melters. 

‘‘  In  Mayer’s  Pomona  Franconica,  vol.  ii.  p.  234,  the  Avant- 
Peche  Blanche  of  Duhamel,  and  the  White  Nutmeg  of  Miller, 
is  stated  to  be  called  in  Holland  ‘ La  Montagne,’  but  this  is 
contrary  to  the  statement  of  Knoop  before  referred  to,  and  as  he 
describes  the  Madeleine  Blanche  as  ‘ une  grande  et  belle  Peche,* 
he  would  not  mistake  the  White  Nutmeg  for  it,  when  he  says, 
‘ Je  pense  que  cette  sorte  est  la  meme  qu’on  appelle  dans  ce 
pays-ci  la  Montagne  Blanche,  a cause  que  la  description  de 
cette  derniere  sorte  est  entierement  conforme  a celle-ci.’ 

“ It  appears,  therefore,  from  the  above  authorities,  that  the 
Montagne  and  Madeleine  Blanche  are  the  same  thing.  The 
‘ Montagne  Double’  is,  without  doubt,  a larger  variety  of  the 
‘ Montagne  Simple  as  may  easily  be  inferred  from  the  sense 
in  which  double  is  used  in  the  Netherlands. 

“ From  circumstances  I think  we  are  justified  in  concluding, 
that  if  the  Noblesse  peach  is  in  cultivation  in  France,  it  must 
be  included  among  their  Madeleine  Blanche  peaches.  To  the 
Noblesse  are  closely  allied  Ford’s  Seedling,  Sulhamstead, 
Cambray,  Montauban,  Vanguard.” 

It  is  further  remarked  in  the  Pomological  Magazine,  that 
the  Noblesse  of  the  Americans  appears,  from  Coxe’s  account 
of  it,  to  be  very  different  from  the  foregoing ; but  I believe  the 
one  cultivated  in  my  collection  is  the  same  as  here  described, 
and  Mr.  Coxe  may  have  been  led  into  a mistake  from  his  tree 
being  an  erroneous  one,  as  there  were  formerly  several  kinds 
cultivated  near  New-York  to  which  the  different  owners  gave 
this  title. 


EARLY  CHEVREUSE.  Pr.  cat. 

Chevreuse  hdtive.  Duh.  Roz. 

Belle  Chevreuse.  Die.  d’Agric.  syn. 

The  flower  of  this  tree  is  small  ; the  fruit  of  fine  size,  ra- 
ther oblong,  divided  on  one  of  its  sides  by  a very  distinct 
groove,  one  border  of  which  is  more  elevated  than  the  other; 

23 


17S 


PEACHES. 


it  is  terminated  at  the  summit  by  a small  pointed  nipple,  and 
the  surface  is  often  scattered  over  with  little  protuberances, 
especially  towards  its  base  ; the  skin  is  tinged  with  bright  red 
on  the  sunny  side ; the  flesh  is  melting,  replete  with  juice, 
which  is  sweet  and  of  very  agreeable  flavour,  and  it  is  white 
except  around  the  stone,  where  it  becomes  red  ; the  colour  of 
the  stone  is  a brownish  red,  and  it  is  of  a moderate  size,  some- 
what elongated.  This  peach  ripens  towards  the  middle  or 
end  of  August,  and  the  tree  generally  yields  abundant  crops. 

LATE  CHEVREUSE.  Pr.  cat. 

Chevreuse  tardive.  N.  Duh. 

Chevreuse  tardive,  Pourprie.  0.  Duh. 

The  leaves  of  this  tree  are  furnished  at  their  base  withreni- 
form  glands  ; the  flowers  are  rose-coloured,  and  about  ten 
lines  in  breadth  ; the  fruit  is  not  exactly  round,  but  is  some- 
times a little  compressed,  and  frequently  presents  small  eleva- 
tions forming  a kind  of  protuberances ; it  is  twenty-six  lines 
in  diameter,  and  twenty-four  in  height;  the  longitudinal 
groove,  which  divides  it  into  two  sections,  is  always  very  dis- 
tinct, and  it  frequently  happens  that  one  side  of  it  is  more 
swollen  than  the  other ; the  summit  is  terminated  by  a very 
distinct  nipple  ; the  skin  is  pale  where  shaded,  and  a fine  dark 
red  where  exposed  to  the  sun ; the  flesh  is  somewhat  red  around 
the  stone,  but  the  residue  is  white — it  is  melting,  and  pretty 
abundant  in  juice,  which  is  bland,  sweet,  and  of  pleasant 
taste  ; the  stone  is  very  elongated,  sixteen  lines  in  length,  and 
ten  to  eleven  broad — the  point  which  terminates  it  is  often  a 
line  in  length.  This  peach  attains  to  maturity  at  the  end  of 
September. 

BELLE  CHEVREUSE.  Pr.  cat.  Duh.  Roz. 

Bellechevreuse. 

This  peach  is  much  less  regularly  rounded  than  most  of  the 
other  kinds ; it  is  usually  of  greater  height  than  breadth,  often 


PEACHES. 


179 


measuring  thirty-one  lines  in  the  former,  and  twenty-eight  lines 
in  the  latter  direction ; the  longitudinal  groove  which  sepa- 
rates it  into  two  sections,  forms  this  division  in  such  a manner 
that  one  side  of  the  groove  is  commonly  flattened,  whilst  the 
other  is  swollen  and  more  conspicuous,  the  summit  is  termi- 
nated by  a small  nipple  scarcely  apparent,  and  in  most  cases 
the  fruit  presents  numerous  protuberances  scattered  over  its 
surface  ; the  skin  is  thick,  velvety,  whitish  where  shaded,  and 
somewhat  coloured  next  the  sun — -it  separates  pretty  readily 
from  the  flesh,  which  is  white,  except  around  the  stone,  where 
the  colour  is  rather  a dark  red  ; it  is  melting,  full  of  juice,  of 
a vinous,  sweet,  and  excellent  taste ; the  stone  separates  tolera- 
bly well  from  the  flesh,  although  some  particles  remain  at- 
tached to  it;  it  is  of  a reddish  brown  colour,  large,  seventeen 
lines  in  length,  including  a point  of  more  than  a line  long ; 
and  an  inch  in  diameter.  This  peach  ripens  at  the  end  of 
September  or  the  beginning  of  October. 

ROYAL  GEORGE.  Pr.  cat.  Pom.  mag. 

Royal  George,  of  the  English  nurseries.  Hort.  Soc.  fruit,  cat. 

Red  Magdalen,  'i 

MilletCs  Mignonne,  > of  the  English  nurseries. 

Lockyer's  Mignonne, ) 

Madeleine  rouge  d petites  fleurs,  of  the  French. 

The  Pomological  Magazine  gives  the  following  detailed 
description  of  this  valuable  freestone  variety. 

“ This  and  the  sort  usually  sold  in  the  nurseries  under  the 
name  of  Red  Magdelen,  are  the  same.  The  Red  Magdalen 
of  Miller  (Madeleine  de  Courson  of  the  French)  is  less  com- 
mon, but  is  easily  distinguished,  not  so  much  by  its  fruit  as  by 
its  flowers,  which  are  large.  Ripens  in  the  end  of  August  or 
beginning  of  September,  and  is  a proper  sort  for  a peach- 
house. 

“ The  Royal  George  and  Red  Magdalen  are  different,  say 
some,  because  the  former  is  subject  to  mildew ; others  say  there 
is  a difference,  because  the  latter  is  the  one  the  most  subject  to 


180 


PEACHES. 


it.  The  fact  is,  tlie  same  tree  will  mildew  in  one  season,  and 
not  in  another.  A remedy,  or  at  least  a preventive  in  a great 
measure  for  this,  is  to  keep  the  grounds  clear  and  in  good 
condition,  and  to  see  that  there  be  nothing  to  obstruct  a free 
circulation  of  air,  and  a full  admission  of  sun. 

“ In  addition  to  the  synonymes  above  enumerated,  it  is  ex- 
tremely probable  that  Lord  Fauconberg’s  Mignonne,  the  Early 
Royal  George  of  the  North  of  England,  and  the  Grandville 
peach,  are  the  same.  It  is  also  almost  beyond  a doubt,  that 
the  Madeleine  Rouge  a petites  fleurs  of  the  French,  is  the  ori- 
ginal of  the  whole  of  them. 

“ Flowers  small ; leaves  serrated,  glandless  ; fruit  large, 
globular,  moderately  deeply  marked  by  the  suture  along  one 
side,  with  generally  a slight  depression  on  the  summit  ; skin 
dark  purplish  red  where  not  exposed,  the  shaded  side  is  whit- 
ish, the  intermediate  space  between  the  shaded  and  most  ex- 
posed part  is  thickly  mottled  with  small  red  dots ; flesh  white, 
rayed  with  red  next  the  stone,  melting,  rich,  with  a plentiful, 
highly-sugared  juice  ; stone  middle-sized,  or  rather  small,  and 
of  a red  colour,  parting  from  the  flesh.” 


ISPAHAN.  Pr.  cat.  N.  Duh. 

This  variety  is  a shrub  of  ten  or  twelve  feet  in  height,  and 
forms  a round  thick  bush,  filled  with  numerous  branches  ; the 
leaves  are  alternate,  lanceolate,  from  one  to  two  inches  long, 
smooth,  of  a lively  green  on  the  upper  side,  and  a paler  green 
beneath,  serrated,  supported  on  short  petioles,  and  devoid  of 
glands ; the  flowers,  although  they  are  only  twelve  to  thirteen 
lines  in  diameter,  may  be  ranked  among  those  of  large  size, 
on  account  of  the  form  of  the  petals,  which  are  round — they 
are  of  a delicate  rose  colour ; the  fruit  is  nearly  spherical, 
marked  on  one  side  by  a deep  furrow,  and  measures  from  three 
inches  to  three  inches  nine  lines  in  circumference  in  each  direc- 
tion ; the  skin,  which  is  covered  with  down  and  adheres  to  the 
flesh,  is  at  first  greenish,  but  becomes  pale  yellow  at  the  pe- 


PEACHES. 


181 


riod  of  maturity,  with  a sJiglit  tinge  of  dull  red  on  the  sunny 
side ; the  flesh  is  white,  somewhat  reddish  near  the  stone,  melt- 
ing, and  abounding  with  sweet  juice  of  a vinous  and  agreeable 
flavour,  and  it  separates  easily  from  the  stone,  which  is  almost 
round  in  its  circumference,  obtuse  at  its  base,  and  terminated 
at  its  summit  by  an  acute  point.  This  peach  has  some  aflinity 
to  the  Avant-blanche,  which  however  ripens  two  months  sooner, 
and  has  leaves  four  times  as  large. 

The  present  most  singular  variety,,  which  is  much  more  of  a 
bush  than  a tree,  and  whose  whole  appearance  is  so  very  strik- 
ing and  peculiar,  was  found  by  Bruguiere  and  Olivier,  during 
their  travels  in  Persia,  growing  in  the  gardens  of  Ispahan, 
where  they  frequently  met  with  it'  flourishing  naturally,  with- 
out any  of  the  advantages  of  ingrafting  or  pruning.  It  pro- 
duced fruit  for  the  first  time  at  Paris,  in  1806,  which  attained 
to  maturity  in  September ; but  in  Persia,  the  travellers  referred 
to  found  the  fruit  ripe  in  November. 

I have  noticed  that  during  very  severe  winters  the  ends  of 
the  branches  are  sometimes  partially  injured  by  the  cold,  in 
latitudes  north  of  New-York. 


BELLEGARDE.  Pr.  cat.  Dun.  Pom.  mag.  Mil. 

Galande,  I 

Early  Galande,  > of  the  English  nurseries. 

Violette  hative,  j 

Galande.  Galante,  } n 7-.  i 

Noire  deMmlreuU,  \ of  some  French  nurseries. 

In  regard  to  this  fruit,  the  Pomological  Magazine  gives  the 
following  descriptive  remarks. 

“ It  has  been  the  fate  of  almost  every  peach  of  high  merit 
to  be  known  by  many  different  appellations,  particular  culti- 
vators having  given  names  of  their  own  to  that  which  was 
named  before.  Thus  this,  one  of  the  most  delicious  of  the 
varieties  that  ripen  in  the  beginning  of  September,  has  no 
fewer  than  five  names,  under  all  of  which  it  is  often  cultivated. 

“ In  addition  to  its  good  qualities  as  a fruit,  this  possesses 


182 


PEACIIESi 


the  merit  of  being  a remarkably  healthy  tree,  not  subject  to 
mildew.  Both  by  the  French  and  ourselves  it  is  placed  among 
the  foremost  class  of  melting  peaches.  It  comes  in  at  the  be- 
ginning of  September,  after  the  Red  Magdalen. 

“ Leaves  crenated,  with  globose  glands ; flowers  small, 
bright  reddish  pink  ; fruit  large,  globular,  of  a very  regular 
figure,  with  a shallow  suture,  and  a slightly  hollowed  eye,  with 
a little  projecting  point  in  its  centre  ; colour  on  the  exposed 
side  rich  deep  red,  wdth  dark  purple  or  violet  streaks — on  the 
shaded  side  pale  green,  faintly  tinged  with  yellow  ; flesh  pale 
yellow,  slightly  rayed  with  red  at  the  stone,  very  melting,  juicy, 
and  rich  ; stone  parts  freely,  rather  large, ^slightly  pointed.” 

Duhamel  statps  that  this  variety  greatly  j'esembles  the  Ad- 
mirable, and  that  it  only  differs  in  respect  to  its  skin,  being 
almost  wholly  tinged  with  purplish  red,  which  approaches  to 
black  on  the  sunny  side ; and  in  its  flesh  being  more  firm,  as 
if  breaking,  and  it  also  ripens  at  least  fifteen  days  sooner,  that 
is  to  say,  at  the  end  of  August,  and  this  is  about  the  period  at 
which  it  attains  to  maturity  in  our  country. 

This  variety  is  very  extensively  cultivated  at  Montreuil,  near 
Paris,  where  the  tree  is  considered  one  of  the  most  productive 
and  hardy,  supporting  the  cold  much  better  than  many  other 
kinds. 


YELLOW  ALBERGE.  Pr.  cat. 

Pichejaune,  ) 

Alberge  jaune^  \ 

Rossanne.  O.  Duh.  and  some  other  French  writers  and 
catalogues. 

Rosamont.  Die.  d’Agric.  syn. 

. Petite  Rossanne*  Bon  Jard.  (supposed  erroneously,  Auth.) 

St.  Laurent  jaun£,  of  some  French  catalogues. 

Rosanna. 

The  flowers  of  this  tree  are  of  a delicate  rose  colour,  and 
are  small,  being  but  ten  lines  in  diameter ; the  leaves  are  fur- 
nished at  their  base  with  rounded  glands  ; the  fruit  is  twenty- 
four  lines  in  height,  and  twenty-six  or  twenty-seven  in  diame- 


PEACHES. 


183 


ter — sometimes  it  is  one-fourth  smaller  in  all  its  parts ; it  is 
covered  with  a velvety  skin,  of  a deep  purple  colour  on  the 
sunny  side,  and  often  over  more  than  half  the  surface,  and  is 
yellow  on  that  part  which  is  shaded,  but  usually  speckled  all 
over  with  red  dots ; the  skin  is  easily  detached  from  the  flesh. 
In  respect  to  form,  the  fruit  has  not  much  peculiarity,  except 
that  the  longitudinal  groove  is  in  general  strongly  marked  and 
likewise  slightly  apparent  on  the  opposite  side ; the  summit  is 
somewhat  sunken,  and  often  presents  a very  small  tit  which 
scarcely  projects  at  all ; the  flesh  is  entirely  yellow,  except 
around  the  stone,  where  it  is  of  a rather  dark  red — it  is  also 
melting,  and  abounds  in  sweet  and  vinous  juice  very  agreeable 
to  the  taste ; the  stone  separates  pretty  easily  from'  the  flesh — 
it  is  of  a brownish  red  colour,  measures  nine  lines  in  breadth, 
by  eleven  in  height,  and  terminates  often  in  a very  short  point. 
This  fruit  is  at  maturity  the  end  of  August  or  beginning  of 
September  ; it  is  subject  to  vary  inj  respect  to  size,  by  which 
circumstance  the  editors  of  the  new  edition  of  Duhamel,  sup- 
pose that  author  must  have  been  influenced,  when  he  distin- 
guished the  Rossanne  peach  in  the  original  edition  as  a differ- 
ent fruit,  which  they  state  to  be  identically  the  same  kind,  the 
fruit  being  varied  in  size,  and  acquiring  greater  or  less  dimen- 
sions according  to  the  vigour  of  the  trees  and  the  nature  of 
the  soil.  I consider  this  to  be  the  Rossanne,  and  the  following 
kind  to  be  the  Petite  Rossanne  of  French  writers  where  the 
terms  are  properly  applied,  but  much  confusion  exists  among 
them  in  this  respect. 


EARLY  YELLOW  ALBERGE.  Pr.  cat. 

Avant  piche  jaune . D uh . 

Alberge  jaune  pr^coce,  of  some  French  catalogues. 
Rossanne.  Die.  d’Agric.  syn. 

Petite  Rossanne.  Auth. 

This  peach  is  distinguished  from  the  preceding,  by  its  being 
much  smaller  in  size,  and  ripening  at  a much  earlier  period, 
but  its  flowers  and  leaves  do  not  differ ; it  is  sixteen  lines  in 


184 


PEACHES. 


diameter,  and  seventeen  in  height,  divided  by  a shallow  longi- 
tudinal groove,  and  terminated  by  a large  pointed  and  curved 
mamelon ; the  skin,  which  is  covered  with  thick  down,  is  yel- 
low on  the  side  that  is  shaded,  and  coloured  with  dark  red  on 
the  side  exposed  to  the  sun ; the  flesh  is  melting,  of  a fine 
golden  yellow  colour,  tinged  with  red  around  the  stone,  and 
of  a sweet  flavour ; the  stone  is  brownish  red,  terminating  in 
an  obtuse  point,  and  about  seven  lines  long  and  six  broad. 
In  early  seasons  this  fruit  is  in  eating  at  the  end  of  July,  and 
in  ordinary  years  towards  the  middle  of  August.  I have  no 
doubt  the  title  adopted  and  the  synonymes  apply  to  the  same 
fruit,  and  I have  been  guided  by  my  own  judgment  in  their 
arrangement. 

MADELEINE  DE  COURSON.  Pom.  mag.  Pr.  cat. 

Lel.  Pom.  Fr.  p.  292.  G.Lind.  in  Hort.  trans.  vol.  v.  p.  539. 
Hort.  Soc.  fruit,  cat.  no.  84. 

Red  Magdalen  of  Courson.  Pr.  cat.  25  ed. 

Madeleine  Rouge,  or  Madeleine  de  Courson.  Duh.  Nois.  Jard. 
Bon  Jard.  1828. 

Magdelene  rouge  de  Courson,  of  French  writers  and  catalogues. 

Paysanne,  ^ of  the  French. 

Rouge  Faysanne,  ^ 

Red  Magdalen.  Miller’s  Diet.  ed.  8. 

An  excellent  freestone  variety,  ripening  in  the  end  of  Au- 
gust or  beginning  of  September,  about  the  time  of  the  Grosse 
Mignonne.  It  is  very  difierent  from  the  Red  Magdalen  peach 
of  the  (English)  nurseries,  which  is  a larger  fruit,  with  more 
colour,  and  small  flowers.  The  tree  is  rather  subject  to  mil- 
dew. According  to  Mr.  Lindley,  this  is  the  true  Red  Mag- 
dalen peach  of  Miller.  It  is  remarkable  for  its  fine,  rich, 
vinous  flavour. 

Leaves  dark  green,  coarsely  and  doubly  serrated,  glandless  ; 
flowers  large,  pale  blush ; fruit  small,  globular,  flattened,  deeply 
cleft  on  one  side ; colour  pale  yellow,  with  a blush  of  clear 
pink  where  exposed ; flesh  quite  w^hite,  not  stained  at  the  stone, 
from  which  it  parts  freely — very  melting,  juicy,  vinous,  and 
rich ; stone  blunt,  rather  large  for  so  small  a fruit. — Pom.  Mag* 


PBACHES. 


185 


LATE  RED  MAGDALEN,  Auth. 

Madeleine  rouge  tardive  d petite  jieur,  Duh. 

Madeleine  rouge  tardive^  ou  d petites  jieur Jard. 

Madeleine  d moyehne  Jleurs,  i 

Duhamel  designates  this  fruit  as  a variety  of  the  Red  Mag- 
dalen, of  which  many  seminal  varieties  exist,  partially  varying 
in  the  several  points  of  distinction,  and  all  producing  good 
fruit.  The  present  one  is  distinguished  by  its  small  flowers  ; 
the  fruit  is  of  medium  size,  and  highly  coloured,  the  cavity  in 
which  the  peduncle  is  inserted  is  generally  surrounded  by  se- 
veral pretty  distinct  furrows ; the  flesh  is  of  very  good  flavour, 
and  it  ripens  at  the  end  of  October.  It  would  seem  that  the 
Pomological  Magazine  intends  to  quote  this  as  a synonyme  of 
the  Royal  George,  but  omits  the  word  “ tardive  and  without 
having  any  reason  to  doubt  the  fact  of  synonomy,  I have  in- 
serted the  remarks  of  Duhamel,  leaving  the  subject  to  be  fully 
investigated  hereafter. 

WHITE  MAGDALEN.  Pr,  cat. 

Madeleine  blanche.  Duh.  Roz. 

The  flowers  of  this  tree  are  of  a delicate  red  colour,  fourteen 
to  fifteen  lines  in  breadth,  and  the  leaves  are  devoid  of  glands ; 
the  fruit  is  twenty-three  to  twenty-four  lines  in  height,  twenty- 
five  to  twenty-seven  in  its  greatest  diameter,  and  covered  with 
a velvety  skin,  which  is  whitish  over  nearly  the  whole  of  its 
surface,  and  only  speckled  with  red  dots  on  the  side  exposed 
to  the  sun  ; the  longitudinal  groove  that  divides  the  fruit,  is 
partially  apparent  on  one  of  its  sides,  and  becomes  more  dis- 
tinct at  the  summit,  and  that  section  also  presents  a very  small 
point,  being  the  remains  of  the  style,  which  does  not  form  a 
very  perfect  mamelon ; the  flesh  is  white,  melting,  succulent, 
delicate,  abounding  in  sweet  juice,  of  a rich  and  musky  taste  ; 
the  stone  is  small  according  to  the  original  Duhamel,  but  it  is 
stated  in  the  New  Duhamel  that  it  has,  on  the  contrary, 

24 


186 


PEACHES. 


been  often  found  large  in  proportion  to  the  size  of  the  fruit,  it 
being  in  many  cases  fourteen  lines  long,  and  eleven  and  a half 
in  its  greatest  diameter,  with  the  section  towards  the  point  very 
much  swollen,  whereas  the  base  is  much  more  narrow.  This 
peach  ripens  from  the  fifteenth  of  August  to  the  end  of  that 
month. 


SMALL  WHITE- MAGDALEN.  Auth. 

• Petite  Madeleine  blanche.  Duh. 

This  variety  only  differs  from  the  preceding  one  in  respect 
to  the  dimensions  of  the  fruit,  which  in  the  present  ease  is  of 
less  size;  and  by  its  being  hollowed  at  the  summit,  where  there 
is  a very  visible  cavity ; and  in  the  colour  of  the  skin,  whkh^is 
of  a still  whiter  appearance. 


GROSSE  MIGNONNE.  Pr.  cat.  Pom.  mag.  Duh. 

Jard.  fruit.  Box  Jard.  Loxd.  hort.  cat. 

Grimicood^s  Royal  George.  Hook.  Pom.  Lond. 

Griniwood's  New  Royal  George,  ^ 

Large  French  Mignonne,  > of  the  English  nurseries, 

Freyich  Mignonne,  ) 

Mignonne,  '1 

’ Velout^e,  > of  the  French  gardens. 

VeJoiUee  de  Merlet,  } 

Royal  Kensington.  G.  Lindley  in  Hort.  Trans,  vol.  v,  p.  544. 

Early  Vineyard.  G.  Lindley  in  Hort.  Trans,  vol.  v.  p.  543. 

Givsse  Lieblingspjirsiche.  Taschenbuch,  p.  478. 

The  excellence  of  this  variety  will  account  for  the  number 
of  different  names  under  which  it  is  cultivated.  Some  of  these 
have  previously  been  determined  as  synonymous;  a few  are 
now  so  considered  for  the  first  time.  It  is  not  improbable  that 
the  Marlborough,  RonaWs  Early  Galande,  Radley's  Early 
Purple,  and  the  Swiss  Migimine,  will  be  hereafter  added  to 
the  list ; if  not  the  same  as  the  Grosse  Mignonne,  they  differ 
from  it  so  little  as  not  to  be  worth  cultivating  in  the  same,gar- 
dens- as- distinct  varieties.  -The  Vineuse  de  Erofn^tin  oi 


PEACHES, 


187 


French,  Offers  only  in  being  somewhat  larger,  rather  longer, 
and  not  so  much  hollowed  on  the  summit. 

A beautiful,  melting,  delicious  variety,  ripening  in  the  be- 
ginning of  September.  One  of  the  finest  peaches  in  culti- 
vation. 

Leaves  crenated,  with  globose  glands ; flowers  large,  dark 
purplish-red  ; fruit  large,  depressed,  and  hollowed  at  the  sum- 
mit, with  a moderately  deep  suture  on  one  side,  and  a wide 
cavity  at  the  base — the  side  marked  by  the  suture  is  shorter 
than  the  opposite  one ; skin  rather  thinly  clad  with  down  ; co- 
lour rich  deep  red  next  the  sun,  thickly  mottled  on  a jjellow 
ground  towards  the  shade  ; flesh  pale  yellow,  rayed  with  red 
next  the  stone,  from  which  it  parts  freely,  melting,  juicy,  with 
a rich  vinous  flavour  ; stone  small  for  the  size  of  the  fruit, 
ovate,  very  rugged. — Pom,  Mag, 


LATE  MIGNONNE.  Auth. 

Mignonne  tardive,  N.  Duh. 

This  peach  greatly  resembles  the  Grosse  Mignonne,  the  tree 
like  that  variety  produces  large  flowers,  which  are  of  a delicate  rose 
colour,  and  seventeen  to  eighteen  lines  in  diameter;  the  essential 
distinction  is  in  the  glands  of  the  leaves,  which  are  reniform, 
instead  of  being  globular,  and  in  the  fruit,  which  is  not  sensi- 
bly hollowed  at  the  summit,  but  is  terminated  by  a very  distinct 
nipple  or  mamelon,  although  it  is  very  small ; the  fruit  is  of 
fine  size,  and  measures  twenty-six  to  thirty  lines  in  its  greatest 
diameter,  and  twenty-five  to  twenty-eight  in  height ; the  flesli 
is  white,  somewhat  coloured  with  red  around  the  stone,  very 
melting,  replete  with  juice  of  a sweet,  rich,  and  vinous  flavour, 
and  as  pleasant  as  that  of  the  Grosse  Mignonne ; the  stone 
detaches  itself  pretty  easily  from  the  flesh,  and  is  of  a reddish 
brown  colour,  fourteen  lines  or  a little  more  in  length,  and 
nine  in  its  greatest  diameter.  This  is  an  excellent  fruit  ripen- 
ing in  the  earliest  part  of  September,  and  sometimes  at  the  end 
of  August  in  an  early  season,  but  always  eight  to  ten  days 


188 


PEACHES. 


after  the  Grosse  Mignonne.  It  is  cultivated  in  the  Jardin  des 
Plantes  at  Paris. 


ROUND  TRANSPARENT.  Pr.  cat. 

Transparente  Ronde.  N.  Duh.  and  of  some  French  catalogues. 

This  tree  produces  flowers  of  a beautiful  rose  colour,  about 
fourteen  lines  in  diameter,  and  its  leaves  are  furnished  with  re- 
niform  glands.  This  last  character  forms  its  especiaUdistinc- 
tion  from  the  Grosse  Mignonne,  as  the  fruit  differs  but  little 
from  that  variety,  except  in  point  of  size — it  being  only  twenty- 
two  to  twenty-three  lines  in  height,  by  two  inches  at  most  in 
diameter;  its  form,  colour,  and  flavour  do  not  present  on  their 
part  any  essential  differences ; the  stone  is  more  oblong  in  pro- 
portion to  the  size  of  the  fruit,  measuring  thirteen  to  fourteen 
lines  in  length,  with  a peculiar  point,  ordinarily  very  project- 
ing, and  is  nine  to  ten  lines  in  its  greatest  diameter,  and  very 
perceptibly  contracted  towards  its  base.  This  peach  is  culti- 
vated in  the  Jardin  des  Plantes  at  Paris,  and  ripens  at  the  end 
of  August,  or  beginning  of  September.  I introduced  it  to 
this  country  from  the  South  of  France,  about  six  or  seven 
years  since. 


ENGLISH  CHANCELLOR.  Pr.  cat. 

Chancellor.  Pom.  Mag.  Mil.  Lond.  Hort.  cat.  No.  40. 

This  peach,  which  is  by  no  means  uncommon,  is  said  to  be 
distinct  from  the  fruit  of  the  same  name  in  the  French  gardens, 
which  is  described  by  Duhamel  as  having  large  flowers.  In 
all  other  respects,  however,  the  two  seem  to  be  much  alike. 
It  is  generally  considered,  that  the  English  Chancellor  peach 
is  the  variety  alluded  to  by  Duhamel  in  describing  the  true 
kind.  In  the  Jardin  Fruitier  the  true  Chancellor  is  stated  to 
resemble  the  Chevreuse  hative,  which  this  does  also,  except  in 
being  later.  It  is  earlier  than  the  late  Chevreuse  ; and,  ex* 
cept  those  two,  there  is  no  peach  in  the  sectiort  to  which  it  be- 


PEACHES. 


189 


longs  that  it  is  like.  The  middle  of  September  is  the  usual 
time  of  ripening. 

Leaves  crenated,  with  reniform  glands ; flowers  small,  red- 
dish ; fruit  large,  oval,  with  a very  distinct  channel  on  one 
side ; cavity  at  the  footstalk  rather  small ; skin  not  very  downy, 
dark  crimson  next  the  sun,  pale  yellow  next  the  wall,  finely 
mottled  towards  the  union  of  the  two  colours — it  peels  freely ; 
flesh  pale  yellow,  very  deep  red  from  the  stone  half-way 
through,  melting,  very  juicy  and  rich,  with  a vinous  flavour — 
it  parts  freely  from  the  stone,  but  leaves  some  fibres  behind  ; 
stone  oblong,  tapering  to  the  base,  pointed  at  summit,  with  a 
surface  almost  like  that  of  a clingstone.  A capital  sort. 

The  French  Chancellor  of  the  nurseries,  and  of  the  London 
Horticultural  Society’s  Fruit  Catalogue,  No.  41,  is  propably  not 
distinct  from  this.  The  name  appears  to  have  originated  in 
a nursery  in  the  North  of  England. — Pom,  Mag, 


FRENCH  CHANCELLOR.  Pr.  cat. 

Chancellor,  N.  Duh. 

Veritable  Chancelliere  a grande  fleur,  O.  Duh. 

Chancellor, 

This  variety  has  large  flowers  ; the  fruit  is  twenty-two  lines 
in  height,  and  twenty-four  in  diameter — it  is  divided  into  two 
unequal  sections  by  a longitudinal  furrow,  which  is  deepest  at 
its  base  ; and  it  is  terminated  by  a very  small  mamelon ; the 
skin  is  a fine  red  next  the  sun  ; the  flesh  is  melting,  sweet,  and 
of  very  pleasant  flavour.  This  peach  is  at  maturity  the  begin- 
ning of  September. 


EARLY  PURPLE.  Pr.  cat. 

Pourprie  hative.  N.  Duh. 

Veritable  Pourpr^e  hative  d grande  Jleur.  O.  Duh. 

The  flowers  of  this  tree  are  large  and  bright  red  ; the  fiiiit 
is  twenty-five  to  twenty-seven  lines  in  diameter,  and  twenty-three 


190 


PEACHES^. 


to  twenty-four  in  height — it  is  divided  on  one  side  lengthwise, 
by  a broad  and  rather  deep  channel,  which-  terminates  in  a 
considerable  cavity  at  the  summit ; the  skin  is  a fine  dark  red 
next  the  sun,  and  speckled  on  the  opposite  side  with  very' 
small  bright  red  dots,  in  such  a manner  that  when  they  are 
very  close  to  each  other,  it  appears  to  be  entirely  of  a red  co- 
lour ; it  is  also  wholly  covered  with  a fine  thick  down,  and 
readily  separates  from  the  flesh  ; the  latter  is  white,  except 
around  the  stone,  w here  there  are  some  red  veins — it-  is  very 
melting,  and  abounds  in  juice  of  an  excellent  flavour  ; the^ 
stone  is  brownish  red,  and  does  not  adhere  to  the  flesh.  This- 
peach  ripens  early,  being  commonly  eaten  during  the  first  part 
of  August,  and  is  esteenaed  a very  good  fruit. 

j 


VINOUS  PURPLE.  Pk.  cat. 

Pourpree  vuieuse,  ) 

Pourpr^e  hative  vineuse,  ^ 

Vineuse,  La  Vineuse. 

Vbieuse  de  Fromentin  1 

This  tree  also  has  large  flowers,  of  a bright  red  colour ; the 
fruit  is  of- fine  size,  divided  on  one  side  into  two  sections  by  a 
rather  deep  groove  ; the  skin  is  thin,  and  separates  readily  from 
the  flesh — it  is  covered  with  a very  fine  fawm  coloured  down, 
and  its  whole  surface  is  a very  dark  red,  including  even  those 
parts  which  are  not  exposed  to  the  sun ; the  flesh  is  succulent, 
wdth  a profusion  of  juice  of  a vinous  taste,  accompanied  in 
some  cases  with  a slightly  acid  flavour ; the  colour  is  white, 
except  under  the  skin  and  around  the  stone,  where  it  becomes 
very  red  ; the  stone  is  brownish  red,  and  detaches  itself  easily 
from  the  flesh.  This  peach  has  considerable  affinity  to  the 
Grosse  Mignonne,  but  is  distinguished  by  the  colour  of  its 
skin  and  flesh. 


PEACHES. 


151 

LATE  PURPLE.  Pr.  cat. 

Pourpree  tardive,  Duh.  Roz. 

-This  fine  freestone  peach  has  flowers  of  medium  size,  of  a 
rose  colour,  and  ten  to  eleven  lines  in  breadth  ; the  fruit  is  one 
of  the  most  beautiful  of  its  class,  and  often  measures  thirty-one 
to  thirty-two  lines  in  its  greatest  diameter,  by  twenty^seven  to 
twenty-eight  in  height ; the  longitudinal  groove  which  divides 
it  on  one  of  its  sides,  is  not  very  distinct,  and  it  extends  beyond 
the  summit,  which  is  terminated  by  a small  nipple ; the  skin, 
which  is  covered  with  fine  down,  and  separates  easily  from  the 
flesh,  is  whitish  on  the  shaded  side,  and  reddish  next  the  smi, 
where  the  red  colour  is  frequently  distributed  in  lines  or  stripes ; 
the  flesh  is  white,  except  around  the  stone,  where  it  becomes 
somewhat  red — it  is  melting,  very  succulent,  abounding  in 
juice  of  a sweet,  perfumed,  vinous,  and  excellent  flavour;  the 
stone,  which  separates  pretty  readily  from  the  flesh,  is  subject 
to  split — it  measures  fifteen  to  sixteen  lines  in  length,  and 
eleven  to  twelve  in  breadth,  and  is  most  swollen  towards  the 
point,  and  narrowest  at  the  base.  This  peach  is  considered 
an  excellent  fruit,  and  ripens. at  the  end  of  September  or  be- 
ginning of  October.  In  my  importations  of  fruit  made  from 
England,  some  years  since,  they  sent  me  from  one  of  the  first 
establishments  in  that  country  for  this  variety,  a late  purple 
peach  with  a smooth  skin,  considerably  resembling  a nectarine, 
which  beyond  doubt  must  be  one  of  the  choice  French  Violet 
peaches,  and  I expect  to  be  able  soon  to  identify  it  with  its 
proper  title. 

MALTA.  Pr.  cat.  Pom.  mag.  Mil.  For. 

Lond.  hort.  soc.  cat.  No.  90. 

Piche  de  Malte.  Duh.  Jard.  Fruit. 

Belle  de  Paris y of  the  F rench. 

Malle  de  Normandie.  Lond.  Hort.  Soc.  cat.  No.  91. 

Maltheser  Pjirsiche.  Baum.  Taschenb. 

The  following  description  of  this  fine  freestone  peach  I ex- 
tract from  the  Pomological  Magazine. 


19‘2 


PEACHES. 


“ One  of  the  very  best  of  the  melting  peaches,  ripening 
about  the  end  of  August.  It  bears  carriage  remarkably  well, 
and  will  keep  longer  when  gathered  than  any  other  peach, 
except  the  clingstones.  From  its  reputed  capability  of  bear- 
ing as  a standard,  it  would  be  probably  found  to  ripen  on  an 
east  or  west  wall. 

“ Leaves  doubly  serrated,  rather  larger  than  usual,  without 
glands ; flowers  large,  pale ; fruit  middle-sized,  generally  de- 
pressed at  the  apex,  with  a broad  shallow  suture  on  one  side, 
and  slight  traces  of  one  on  the  other ; colour  on  the  shaded 
side  pale  dull  green,  next  the  sun  broadly  marbled  with  broken 
blotches  of  dull  purplish  red  ; flesh  greenish  yellow,  with  a 
slight  stain  of  purple  next  the  stone,  from  which  it  parts  freely, 
very  rich  and  juicy,  with  an  extremely  agreeable  vinous  fla- 
Tour ; stone  middle-sized,  oval,  pointed,  rather  rugged. 

“ The  sort  cultivated  in  Normandy  was  a short  time  since 
supposed  to  be  a variety  distinct  from  the  Peche  de  Make  of 
Duhamel ; but  from  plants  grown  in  the  garden  of  the  Horti- 
cultural Society  last  summer,  the  two  are  now  judged  to  be 
the  same. 

“ Upon  the  authority  of  Miller,  the  Italian  is  said  to  be  a 
kind  nearly  the  same  as  this.” 

GEORGE  THE  FOURTH.  Pr.  cat.  Pom.  mag. 

This  fine  freestone  variety  is  stated  to  have  originated  in  the 
garden  of  Mr.  Gill,  in  Broad-street,  New-York.  The  tree  is 
of  vigorous  growth,  and  produces  plentiful  crops ; the  flowers 
are  of  small  size,  and  a dingy  red  colour ; the  leaves  indicate 
much  vigour,  and  are  of  large  size,  with  acute  crenatures,  and 
are  attended  with  small  globular  glands ; the  fruit  is  dark  red 
on  the  sunny  side,  and  on  the  part  that  is  shaded  a fine  light 
yellow,  marbled  with  a lively  shade  of  red  where  the  colours 
meet  each  other ; the  flesh  is  straw  colour,  with  some  veins  of 
red  near  the  stone,  which  is  of  small  size ; in  point  of  flavour, 
it  may  be  ranked  among  our  very  good  peaches,  but  we  have 
a number  that  are  more  rich  and  perfumed  ; in  size  this  peach 


PEACHES. 


193 


is  about  medium  ; the  form  is  round,  deeply  lobed  at  the  head, 
ahd  the  stem  is  inserted  within  a deep  cavity,  which  extends 
more  towards  one  side  of  the  suture  than  tiie  other. 

BEAUTY  OF  VITRY.  Pr.  cat; 

Belh  de  Vitry,  > 

Admirable  tardive,  ^ 

Belle  de  Vitru  Die.  d’Agric. 

The  leaves  of  this  tree  are  furnished  at  their  base  with 
rounded  glands  ; the  flowers  are  of  medium  size,  and  eleven  to 
twelve  lines  in  breadth  ; the  fruit  is  beautiful,  and  measures 
twenty-six  to  twenty-eight  lines  in  height  and  often  thirty  ; its 
diameter  is  in  proportion  from  twenty-eight  to  thirty  and  some- 
times even  thirty-thi*ee  or  thirty-four  lines  ; its  form  has  no  pe- 
culiar characteristic,  the  longitudinal  groove  is  not  deep,  but 
extends  a little  beyond  the  summit  of  the  fruit,  where  there  is 
a very  small  mamelon  or  nipple  ; the  skin  is  generally  velvety, 
almost  entirely  of  a whitish  greenj  except  on  the  sunny  side, 
which  is  slightly  washed  with  red ; it  separates  readily  from 
the  flesh,  which  is  white  with  the  exception  of  that  part  next 
the  stone,  where  it  becomes  slightly  reddish  ; it  is  very  succu- 
lent and  replete  with  juice  of  a sweet,  rich,  and  very  pleasant 
flavour;  the  stone  is  large,  oblong,  swollen  at  the  part  fiext 
the  point,  alid  thin  at  the  base  ; it  is  fifteen  to  sixteen  lines  in 
length,  by  about  eleven  in  its  greatest  diameter.  This  peach 
attains  its  perfect  maturity,  in  the  vicinity  of  Paris,  at  the 
end  of  September,  or  the  beginning  of  October,  and  in  the 
South  of  France  about  the  middle  of  September^  The  pe- 
riod of  the  maturity  of  peaches  is  generally  rather  earlier  in 
the  vicinity  of  New-York  than  at  Paris.  Although  I follow 
Duhamel  in  placing  the  Admirable  tardive  as  a synohyme  of. 
this  variety,  I perceive  that  in  some  French  catalogues,  the 
titles  are  placed  separately,  as  if  referrible  to  distinct  fruits. 

25 


194 


rEACUEf. 


APRICOT  PEACH.  Pk.  cat, 

Peche  Abricof, 

Admirable  jaune, 

Abricot^e, 

Grosse  Piche  jaune  tardive, 

Peche  d^  Orange. 

Sandolie  hermaphrodite. 

Pavie  abricote.  Aud.  lat. 

Grosse  jaune. 

Peche  de  Buraia 
Yellow  Admirable.  Orange  peach.  For. 

Yellow  Apricot.  Pii.  hort. 

The  flowers  of  this  tree  are  large  ; the  fruit  is  large,  round, 
flattened,  least  broad  at  the  head,  and  divided  by  a shallow 
longitudinal  groove  ; the  skin  is  covered  with  down,  yellow  on 
the  shaded  side,  and  somewhat  red  on  the  part  exposed  to  the 
sun  ; the  flesh  is  yellow  like  that  of  an  apricot,  and  red  next 
the  stone ; it  is  rather  firm,  and  sometimes  even  a little  dry, 
unless  it  is  perfectly  ripe  ; the  juice  is  pleasant,  perfumed,  and 
much  resembles  the  apricot,  when  the  autumn  is  hot  and  fa- 
vourable for  its  maturity  ; the  stone  is  small  in  comparison 
with  the  size  of  the  fruit,  and  it  separates  with  difficulty  from 
the  flesh.  This  peach  ripens  at  Paris  about  the  middle  of 
October,  and  on  standards  it  gains  in  quality  wffiat  it  loses  in 
size.  Duhamel  remarks  that  it  may  be  propagated  from  seeds 
without  degenerating ; he  also  remarks  that  it  is  sometimes 
met  with  producing  small  flowers,  and  that  there  also  exists 
another  variety  wdth  very  large  flowers,  which  yields  still  larger 
fruit. 


CATHARINE,  Pr.  cat.  Pom.  mag.  Laxg.  pom.  Switz.  Mil. 
Hitt.  For.  Loxd.  hort.  cat. 

I extract  the  following  description  of  this  clingstone  variety 
from  the  Pomological  Magazine. 

“ An  old  and  very  valuable  variety,  ripening  in  the  end  of 
September  and  beginning  of  October,  and  possessing  far 
greater  merit  than  any  other  of  our  late  clingstone  peaches. 


PEACHES, 


195 


When  fully  matured,  It  is  excellent  and  extremel}^  beautiful  ; 
but  to  be  eaten  in  perfection,  it  should  have  been  gathered  a 
few  days.  It  is  said  to  force  well,  which  is  an  important  qua- 
lity ; for  from  want  of  solar  heat  in  this  climate,  all  the  cling- 
stone peaches  acquire  their  flavour  most  perfectly  in  a forcing- 
house.  It  is  an  abundant  bearer,  and  according  to  Forsyth, 
well  adapted  for  tarts. 

“ It  is  remarkable,  that  although  it  appears  from  an  old  cata- 
logue of  the  Chartreux  garden,  that  the  Catharine  was  long 
since  sent  to  France,  under  the  name  of  La  Belle  Catharine, 
no  trace  of  it  is  to  be  found  in  the  great  French  works  on 
pomology. 

“ In  the  catalogue  of  fruits  cultivated  in  the  garden  of  the 
London  Horticultural  Society,  the  Green  Catharine  peach  of 
the  Americans  is  said  to  be  the  same  as  this  ; but  this  a mis- 
take, that  variety  having  globose,  not  reniform  glands,  (and 
being  also  a freestone,  he.  Auth.) 

“ The  Incomparable  peach  is  very  nearly  the  same  as  the 
Catharine,  but  is  distinguished  by  its  higher  colour,  both  in- 
side and  outside,  and  by  its  flavour  being  inferior.  On  ac- 
count of  its  superior  beauty,  it  is  the  most  cultivated  of  the 
two. 

“ Leaves  crenate,  with  reniform  glands,  very  deep  green, 
somewhat  puckered  or  crumpled  on  each  side  of  the  midrib  ; 
flowers  small,  reddish  ; fruit  large,  round,  either  depressed  or 
pointed  at  the  apex,  in  which  respect  it  is  very  variable — to- 
wards the  base  the  surface  is  uneven  ; colour  a beautiful  red 
next  the  sun,  marbled  and  dashed  with  darker  shades,  pale 
yellow  next  the  wall,  where  it  is  sprinkled  with  many  red  dots ; 
flesh  very  firm,  of  a deep  crimson  next  the  stone  to  which  it 
strongly  adheres — towards  the  outside  very  white,  becoming 
after  having  been  gathered  a few  days  tinged  with  yellow,  and 
having  then  an  abundance  of  juice,  and  a very  rich  and  sweet 
flavour  ; stone  middle-sized,  roundish-oval,  very  slightly 
pointed.” 


m 


PEACHES, 


ADMIRABLE.  Pu,  cat.  Drit,  Roz. 

Admirable,  Pr.  cat.  25  ed.  No.  102. 

The  flowers  of  this  tree  are  small,  and  of  a purple  rose  co- 
lour ; the  fruit  is  thirty  lines  in  diameter,  and  twenty-seven  in 
height — ^it  is  divided  by  a shallow  longitudinal  groove,  and 
terminated  at  the  summit  by  a very  small  nipple ; the  skin  is 
velvety,  of  a light  yellow  hue  on  the  shaded  side,  and  touched 
with  bright  red  next  the  sun  ; the  flesh  is  white,  except  around 
the  stone,  wdiere  it  is  tinged  w ith  pale  red^it  is  rather  firm  be- 
fore it  attains  to  maturity,  but  wdien  perfectly  ripe,  it  becomes 
melting,  with  abundance  of  sweet  juice,  of  a vinous,  rich,  and 
excellent  flavour  ; the  stone  is  small  in  proportion  to  the  size 
of  the  fruit,  which  is  one  of  the  finest  peaches,  and  ripens  about 
the  middle  of  September  ; the  tree  is  very  productive,  but  it 
is  found  in  France  to  require  more  attention  to  the  pruning, 
than  most  others  because  it  often  has  some  weak  and  feeble 
branches,  and  it  sometimes  loses  very  large  ones,  being  quite 
subject  to  the  cloque^  a malady  which  is  attributed  to  the  cold 
winds. 


NIVETTE,  Pit.  CAT.  Duh, 

Nivette  veloutee.  Duh, 

La  Nivette,  or  La  Veloutee.  Die.  d’Agric. 

Velotee  tardive. 

The  flow'ers  of  this  tree  are  of  medium  size,  and  eleven  to 
twelve  lines  in  breadth  ; the  leaves  are  furnished  at  their  base 
with  rounded  glands  ; the  fruit  is  large,  and  sometimes  thirty 
lines  in  diameter,  and  of  the  same  height — =it  is  divided  by  a 
longitudinal  groove  of  no  great  depth,  one  side  of  w^hich  is 
far  more  projecting  than  the  other,  and  it  is  terminated  at  its 
summit  by  a very  small  nipple  ; the  skin  is  almost  wholly  of  a 
yellowish  w^hite  colour,  and  only  occasionally  tinged  with  some 
red  veins  on  the  sunny  side — it  separates  pretty  easily  from  the 
flesh,  which  is  mostly  white,  but  reddish  around  the  stone,  and 
this  redness  penetrates  considerably  into  the  fruit ; it  is  some- 


PEACHES. 


197 


what  firm  before  it  attains  to  perfect  maturity,  but  becomes  then 
very  melting“,  and  abounds  in  juice  of  a vinous,  sweet,  and 
excellent  taste,  sometimes  however  it  is  a little  bitter ; the  stone 
is  proportionate  to  the  size  of  the  fruit,  of  a pretty  regular 
oval  form,  although  a little  narrower  at  its  base  than  at  its 
point — it  is  eighteen  lines  in  length,  by  an  inch  in  diameter. 
This  peach,  which  is  one  of  the  most  beautiful  and  one  of  the 
best  freestone  varieties,  ripens  at  the  end  of  September. 


MONSTROUS  POMPONNE.  Pr.  cat. 


Pavie  de  Pomponne,  N.  Duh.  Jard.  fruit. 
Pavie  rouge  de  Pomponne.  O.  Duh. 


I Duh.  syn. 


Gros  Perseque  rouge^ 
Gros  mdecoton. 
Monstrous  Pavie.  Coxe. 


Monstrous  Pavy  of  Pomponne.  Royal  Pavy.  For. 

This  tree  is  of  very  vigorous  growth  and  appearance  ; its 
leaves  are  large,  with  small  indentures.  The  flowers  are 
large,  but  do  not  open  perfectly,  the  petals  being  >nuch  hol- 
lowed or  spoon-shaped.  The  fruit  is  round  and  terminated 
by  a large  mamelon ; and  it  is  not  only  one  of  the  most  beau- 
tiful, but  surpasses  all  other  peaches  in  size.  Duhamel  men- 
tions, that  it  is  often  fourteen  inches  in  circumference,  and  it  is 
stated  in  the  Jardin  Fruitier,  that  it  is  frequently  to  be  met 
with  in  the  vicinity  of  Paris,  three  and  a half  inches  in  diame- 
ter, which  work  further  adds,  that,  the  climate  there  does  not 
admit  of  its  attaining  to  that  perfection  which  it  acquires  in 
the  south  of  France.  The  skin  is  velvety,  white,  approaching 
to  a greenish  hue  on  the  shade  side,  and  of  a fine  red  colour 
next  to  the  sun.  The  flesh  is  very  firm,  red  beneath  the  skin 
on  the  sunny  side,  and  also  around  the  stone,  to  both  of  which 
it  adheres ; elsewhere  it  is  white,  and  at  maturity  becomes 
sweet,  musky,  vinous,  and  of  very  pleasant  flavour,  In  rainy 
and  cold  seasons,  and  in  climates  too  far  north,  it  does  not 
perfect  its  fine  qualities,  and  is  often  insipid,  a warm  and  dry 
autumn  being  required  for  it  to  attain  to  perfection.  The 


198 


PEACHES. 


stone  is  small  In  comparison  with  the  size  of  the  fruit.  Its  pe- 
riod of  ripening'  is  in  the  month  of  October.  In  the  more 
northern  climates,  the  fruit  is  sometimes  gathered  before  ma- 
ture, to  preserve  it  from  the  frosts,  and  it  is  then  placed  on 
shelves  to  ripen  in  the  house.  It  is  also  frequently  made  use 
of  for  preserves  and  compotes. 


MAGDALEN  CLINGSTONE.'  Pr.  cat. 

Pavie  hJanc.  Duh. 

Pavie  madeleine,  or  magdelcine^  Duh.  syn. 

The  leaves  of  this  tree  are  devoid  of  glands  ; its  flowers  are 
of  a very  delicate  rose  colour,  and  of  large  dimensions,  being 
fifteen  to  sixteen  lines  in  diameter.  The  fruit  is  twenty-four 
to  twenty-six  lines  in  height,  and  twenty-six  to  twenty-eight 
in  its  greatest  diameter  ; and  is  sometimes  terminated  by  a 
very  small  mamelon.  The  skin  is  velvety,  and  almost  entire- 
ly of  a whitish  hue,  being  speckled  only  w’ith  some  reddish 
dots  next  the  sun  ; it  does  not  separate  from  the  flesh,  which 
is  firm,  white,  succulent,  and  of  a vinous  flavor  at  perfect  ma- 
turity. The  stone  is  of  a brownish  red  colour,  strongly  adhe- 
ring to  the  flesh,  and  is  thirteen  lines  in  length,  by  about  ten 
lines  in  diameter.  This  fruit  ripens  in  the  beginning  of 
September. 


FRENCH  BLOOD  PEACH.  Pr.  cat. 

Sanguinole.  Duh. 

Betterave,  ) i 

_ 77  ? Duh.  svn. 

Druselle.  ^ 

Sanguinole.  Bloody 'peach.  For. 

Scarlet  peach.  Coxe. 

Peche  Carotte.  Sanguine,  or  Blood. 

Bloody  peach.  Mulberry. 

This  is  a fruit  of  moderate  size  when  produced  on  dry  and 
arid  soils,  often  there  not  exceeding  seventeen  to  eighteen  lines 
in  diameter,  and  of  the  same  height  ; in  good  soils,  however, 
it  attains  to  rather  larger  dimensions.  The  skin  is  thick,  and 
separates  with  difficulty  from  the  flesh  ; it  is  covered  with  very 


PEACHES. 


199 


fine  down  of  a grayish  colour,  and  sliglitly  tinged  with  dull 
red  next  the  sun.  The  extremity  of  the  fruit  is  usually  termi- 
nated by  a mamelon;  the  flesh  is  of  the  colour  of  lees  of  rather 
dark-coloured  red  wine  ; it  has  not  much  juice,  and  its  flavour 
is  slightly  acid,  or  bitter,  and  not  agreeable  to  the  taste.  Tlie 
stone  detaches  itself  easily  from  the  flesh,  and  is  thirteen  lines 
in  length  and  ten  in  breadth.  This  peach  commonly  ripens 
about  the  middle  of  September,  or  towards  the  beginning  of 
October.  In  warm  and  early  seasons  its  flavour  is  somewhat 
improved ; it  is  much  used  for  preserves  and  compotes,  being 
far  better  when  cooked  than  raw.  It  also  serves  to  make 
beautiful  pickles,  but  the  clingstone  variety  is  more  generally 
used  for  this  last  named  purpose  throughout  our  country. 


CARDINALE.  Pr.  cat.  Dun.  Jard.  iruit. 

Cardinale  de  Furstemherg, 

Bloody  peach. 

This  peach  Duhamel  states  to  be  much  larger  and  better  than 
the  preceding  one.  The  leaves  have  large  indentures ; tlic 
flowers  are  large,  and  of  a pale  colour ; the  fruit  is  round,  and 
of  the  size  of  a Magdalen  ; the  skin  is  wholly  of  a dull  reddish 
violet  hue,  and  seemingly  dirty,  from  the  ap])earancc  of  the 
thick  russet-coloured  down  which  adheres  to  it.  The  flesh  is 
generally  of  a dark  purple  tint,  with  veins  of  the  colour  of  the 
blood  beet ; the  taste  is  usually  flat,  or  even  insipid.  It  ripens 
in  October,  and  in  consequence  of  its  want  of  flavour,  is  rather 
an  object  of  curiosity  on  account  of  its  colour,  than  of  value  in 
other  respects.  It  is  said  that  in  Italy  and  other  warm  climates 
it  is  much  better  than  in  colder  latitudes,  and  that  it  is  there 
much  esteemed  ; it  so,  it  would  find  an  appropriate  climate 
in  our  Southern  States.  It  is  but  recently  that  this  tree  was 
introduced  to  our  country  by  myself,  having  received  it  froin 
the  south  of  France.  Like  the  other  varieties  ol*  the  Flood 
peach,  it  serves  for  preserves,  compotes,  and  pickles. 


200 


BARRINGTON.  Pk.  cat.  Pjm.  mag.  Lond.  iiort.  cat. 

Buckingham  Mignonne.  Lond.  Hort.  Cat. 

This  peachy  some  trees  of  which  I introduced  a few  years 
since  from  Europe,  is  one  of  great  excellence.  It  is  arranged 
in  Mr.  Lindley’s  classification  in  the  same  section  with  the 
Grosse  Mignonne,  but  is  a perfectly  distinct  variety,  consider- 
ably later  at  maturit}^,  and  succeeds  the  Royal  George*  The 
tree  is  of  a healthy  habit,  and  produces  good  crops. 

The  following  detailed  description  I extract  from  the  Po- 
mological  Magazine,  in  which  work  the  fruit  is  admirably 
figured* 

“ Leaves  crenated,  with  globose  glands ; flowers  large ; 
fruit  large  and  handsome,  roundish,  somewhat  elongated,  and 
rather  pointed  at  the  summit ; the  suture  moderately  deep 
along  one  side ; skin  pale  yellowish  green  next  the  wall,  deep 
red  next  the  sun,  marbled  with  darker  : flesh  yellowish  white, 
slightly  rayed  with  some  crimson  tints  next  the  stone,  from 
which  it  parts  freely ; melting,  juicy,  and  very  rich  ; stone 
middle-sized,  ovate,  with  a lengthened  sharp  point,  very  rug- 
ged, and  of  a brown  colour.^’ 

END  OF  VOL.  I. 


The  following  works  may  be  obtained  of  the  principal  booksellers  : 

Prince’s  TREATISE  ON  HORTICULTURE— 200  pp.—^0,l5, 
do.  TREATISE  ON  THE  VINE— 355  pp.  8vo.— $1,50. 
do.  POMOLOGICAL  MANUAL — 2 vols.  8vo.  each  200  pp. — $2. 

The  following  Catalogues  of  the  various  Departments  of  the  Linnaean  Botanic 
Garden  and  Nurseries  may  be  obtained  from  the  different  agents,  or  by  applica- 
tion direct  to  the  proprietors  : 

No.  I.  Fruit  and  Hardy  Ornamental  Trees,  Shrubs,  and  Plants — pp.  91.- 

2.  Bulbous  and  Tuberous  rooted  Plants — pp.  24. 

3.  Greenhouse  Trees,  Shrubs,  and  Plants — pp.  44. 

4.  American  Indigenous  Trees,  Shrubs,  and  Plants— pp.  47. 

3.  A Catalogue  of  Seeds. 


THE 


POMOLOGICAL  MANUAL; 

OR, 

A TREATISE  ON  FRUITS : 

CONTAINING 

DESCRIPTIONS  OF  A GREAT  NUMBER 


FOR  THE 


OF  THE  MOST  VALUABLE  VARIETIES 

ORCHARD  AND  GARDEN. 


“When  Autumn  basks,  with  fruit  empurpled  deep 
My  pleasing  theme  continual  prompts  my  thought ; 
Presents  the  downy  peach  ; the  shining  plum  ; 

The  ruddy,  fragrant  nectarine  ; and  dark, 

JJeneath  his  ample  leaf,  the  luscious  fig.”  ^ 


BY  WILLIAM  ROBERT  PRINCE, 

Author  of  a Treatise  on  thd  Vine,  Sfc. 

AIDEU  BY 


WILLIAM  PRINCE, 

Proprietor  of  the  Linnaean  Botanic  Garden  and  Nurseries;  Vice-President  of  tlie  JVew-V'ork 
Horticultural  Society ; Member  of  (he  Linnasan  Society  of  Paris  ; of  the  Horticultural  Societies 
of  London  and  Paris ; of  the  Imperial  Society  of  the  Georgotili  at  Florence  ; Honorary  Member 
of  the  Massachusetts  Horticultural  Society,  etc.  etc. 


PART  11. 

SECOND  EDITION. 


NEW-YORK: 

PUBLISHED  BV  'J'.  & .1.  SWORDS,  G.  & C.  II.  CARVILL,  E.  BldS.S,  COELINS  & CO. 
G.  TIIOKBURN  & SON.-^,  NEW-YORK;  WILLIAM  THORBURN,  ALRANV  ; ROSSI- 
rEK  & KNOX,  ROCHESTER;  CARY  & HART,  GREGG  & ELLIOTT,  AND  .JUDAH 
DOBSON,  PHILADELPHIA  ; LORD  & HOLBROOK,  AND  .1.  B.  RUSSELL,  BOSTON; 
GIDEON  B.  SMITH,  BALTIMORE;  .lAMES  WINSTON,  RICHMOND;  JOSEPH 
SLM.MONS,  CIIARLE.STON,  S.  C. ; AND  S.  C.  PARKIIURST,  CINCINNATI. 


1832. 


< I .M 


Entered,  according  to  the  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  IS32,  by  William  Robert  Prince, 
in  the  Clerk’s  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  Southern  District  of  New-York. 


{ 


* 


J.  SEVMOUK,  PRINTEK,  JOUN-STREST. 


INDEX  TO  PART  II 


ADOPTED  NAMES. 


PEA.CIIES. 


NECTARINES. 


Alberge,  Late  yellow 

yellow  clingstone 

Algiers  Yellow 

Belle  Bausse 

Blood  clingstone,  French- - 
, Prince’s- 

Chevreuse  clifigstone 

Columbia 

Congress 

Diana 

Double- flowering 

Dwarf  Orleans 

Early  white  clingstone 

red  clingstone 

Favier 

Favourite  red 

French  Willow-leaved 

Gold  and  Purple 

Green  Winter 

Heath 

Kenrick’s 

Hill’s  Madeira--.--- 

Hyslop’s  clingstone 

Kennedy’s  Carolina 

Lisle 

Melocoton,  Red-cheek 

Mignonne  friz6e 

, Large  early 

Monstrous  freestone 

Lemon 

Montauban 

Newington,  Old — 

, Early ---■ 

Nutmeg,  Green — 

, Brown — 

Oldmixon  freestone 

clingstone 

Orange  clingstone 

freestone 

Pavie  de  Pamiers 

Peche  de  Pau 

Persique 

clingstone 

Portugal 

President 

Rambouillet 

Rareripe,  Red 

, Yellow 

, Prince’s  red---- 
, Large  early--  — 

* White 

, Jacques’ 

, Sargent’s 

Royal 

Royal  George  clingstone- - 

Sernach 

Spanish 

Surprise  

Sweetwater 

Spring  Grove 

Teindoux 

Vandeveer’s  Optimum- --- 

Van  Zandt’s  superb 

White  winter 

White  blossom 

Yellow  preserving 

Cherry 


22 

22 

16 

11 

33 

32 

33 

19 
27 

17 
10 

18 

35 
27 

34 
23 
12 
12 
15 

29 

30 

20 

27 
17 
21 

31 
10 
10 

36 
29 
11 

9 

9 

23 

24 
23 

23 

15 

35 
13 
20 

13 

36 
21 
33 
21 

14 

14 

16 

25 

26 
26 
26 

28 
20 
35 

32 

33 

24 
17 
16 
12 

15 
32 

19 

20 
44 


Despres 

Elruge,  Common 

, Miller’s 

Fairchild’s  early 

French  yellow 

Golden - 

Italian  Brugnon,  or  Brinion 

Late  yellow 

Lewis’ 

Murry - 

Old  Newington 

Peterborough 

Red  Roman 

Scarlet 

Temples 

Vermash 

Violet,  Early 

, Large  early 

, Late  marbled 

, Latest 

, Musk  - 

White 

French 


PLUMS. 


Apricot-plum  of  Tours  -- 

, Early 

, White 

, Red 

Beach 

Bingham 

Brian  con 

Bricette 

Brignole 

Bui  lace 

Cherry-plum.,  American- 
European- 


Cheston 

Chicasaw,  Red 

Coe’s  Golden  drop  - 
Cooper’s  large  red-- 

Cyprian--- 

Damas  Dronet 

de  Provence 


Date 

Agen  

Damask,  Maugeron 

, Early  black 

, Italian 

, Spanish 

, Musk 

September 

, Violet 

, Red 

, Late  red 

, Largest  of  Tours 
Damson,  Prince’s  early- -- 

, Small  red 

, Shropshire 

, Large  early 

, Small  white 

, Large  white 

, Late  white 

, Late  black 

, Late  purple 

Diaper,  White 


IV 


INDEX. 


Diaper,  Red 69 

, Violei 70 

Drap  d’Or 75 

Duane’s  Purple  French ]00 

Egg,  Yellow 57 

Elfrey 98 

Fotheringham - 92 

French  Copper 93 

Gage,  Green 48 

, Double  flowering 49 

, Purple 50 

, Blue 51 

, Red 51 

, Bleeker’s 52 

, Frost 52 

, Prince’s  imperial 56 

, Prince’s  yellow 103 

German  Plum 78 

Gilford’s  Lafayette 96 

Holland 78 

Huling’s  superb 55 

Imperatrice,  blue 60 

white 61 

Imperial,  violet - 59 

with  variegated  leaves--  60 

White -' 58 

Yellow 59 

Isabella 107 

Isle  Verte 94 

Jacinthe 94 

Jerusalem 95 

Kirke’s 97 

Large  early  Montreuil 92 

Peach 106 

Late  Chalons 99 

Lucombe’s  Nonsuch 99 

Maitre  Claude 52 

Mimm’s 90 

Monsieur 62 

, Early 62 

, Surpasse 63 

Morocco 82 

Mouchete 93 

Moyen  de  Bourgogne 95 

Muscle 105 

Nectarine-  — 102 

Orleans 67 

, Smith’s 68 

, Wilmot’s  early 68 

Perdrigon,  White 64 

, Early 65 

, Norman 65 

, Violet 66 

, Red 67 

Primordiaii,  White 79 

Prince’s 79 

Prune  d’Ast 100 

Prune,  German 77 

Red  St.  Martin 74 

Rognond’Ane 100 

Royal 72 

, Early 72 

St.  Catharine 76 

Saint  Julien,  Common 73 

, Large 73 

Sloe 106 

Small  Reine  Claude 49 

Mirabelle 76 

Stoneless 81 

Swiss 63 

Tillemond 93 

Tomlinson’s  Charlotte 59 

Tours,  Early 64 

, Royal - 64 

Twice-bearing 103 

Virginal,  White 73 

, Red 74 

Washington 53 

Wetherill’s  sweet 101 

White  pear-plum 104 

Wine 101 

WinMour- 101 


CHERRIES. 

Allen’s  late  Favourite 

All  Saints 

Belle  de  Choisy 

Bigarreau,  China 

, Napoleon 

,Red 

.White 

.Pigeon-heart 

, Large  Red 

, Large  White 

y , Common  French  - - 

, Flesh  coloured 

,Laige  late  Red 

, Large  heart  shaped- 

, Eai  ly  White 

, Early  Red 

, Black 

, Late  Black 

, Hildesheim 

Bird  Cherry,  European 

Black  Carone 

Mazard  

Heart 

Eagle 

Bleeding  heart 

Carnation 

Cluster 

Coeur  de  Poule 

Davenport 

Double-flowering,  Large 

, Dwarf 

Downer’s  late  red 

Downton  

Duke,  Prince’s 

May 

Late  

Arch 

Holman’s 

Dwarf  Siberian 

Early  May 

Richmond 

Elkhoi-n 

Gascoigne’s  heart 

Grafllon,  or  Amber 

Gridley 

Griotte  d’Ostheim 

, Guigne 

, Early 

, Spanish --- 

, Holland 

, Short-stem 

, Late  large  Black 

, Northern 

, Ratafia 

, Small  Ratafia 

, Common  French  

, Large 

, Poitou 

, Heart-shaped 

Guigne  Bigaudelle 

, Late  white  -'- 

, Late  red 

, Lundie 

, Transparent 

, Early 

, Pointed 

, Red 

, Black 

, Drooping 

, Small  Black 

Early  White 

Guindolle,  Large 

Guindoux,  Parisian 

Hertfordshire  Black 

Kentish  Red  

Knight’s  early  Black 

Lukeward’s  heart 

Marasquin 

Merise,  Large  black 

Y'ellow  fruited 


123 

152 

137 

126 

126 

126 

125 


- 127 

- 128 

- 12s 

- 128 

- 129 

- 129 

- 130 

- 130 

- 130 

- 131 

- 154 

- Ill 

- 109 

- 115 

- 116 
- 120 

- 138 

- 132 
. 124 
. 154 
■ 111 
. 151 

■ 154 

■ 124 
• 136 

133 

134 

135 

135 

15.3 

131 

142 

117 
121 
137 
123 
145 
149 
131 

136 
141 
141 

145 

146 

147 

147 

148 
148 

148 

149 
113 
113 
113 

118 
119 
111 
119 
112 
112 

119 
112 
112 
149 
140 
121 
142 

120 
125 
132 

no 

110 


INDEX.  V 


Montmorency,  T/)ng:-stem 139 

Short-stem 139 

Morello,  Common 143 

Large 144 

Plumstone 144 

German 147 

Peach-blossomed 151 

Pope’s  - 150 

Prolific 132 

Prussian 1.50 

Kemington  White-heart \V7 

Softstone 145 

Striped-leaved 151 

Tartarian  Black 113 

White 114 

Tobacco-leaved 122 

Villennes 140 

Waterloo  118 

Weeping 153 

White  Heart 115 

Willow-leaved 141 

Yellow  Honey  110 

Spanish 12;5 

ALMONDS. 

Bitter  Hardshell 158 

, Large 158 

Bitter  Softshell 159 

Dwarf  singlc-fiowering 160 

double-flowering IGl 

Great-fruited 157 

Ladies’ Thin  shell 156 

Large  fruited 155 

double-flowering 161 

Peach 159 

Pistachia 157 

Silvery  Oriental 160 

Small  fruited 165 

bitter 158 

Sultan 156 

RASPBERRIES. 

Barnet 163 

Itrentford  Red 167 

('anada  Bed 168 

Common  Red^- 166 

fketan  Red  169 

Pennsylvanian 167 

Prolific  Red 169 

Bed  Antwerp 164 

Short-jointed  Cane 168 

TallRedCane 168 

Virginia  Red 167 

Yellow  Antwerp 165 

STRAWBERRIES. 

Alpine,  Red 180 

, White - 181 

, White  Bush 181 

, Bed  Bush 181 

Black  Prince 186 

,Old ----  186 

, Pitmaston 186 

Bostock 185 

Bullock’s  Blood 185 

Carolina,  Dwarf  wliite 183 

, Round  white 183 

Charlotte 189 

Chili,  True - 181 

, Yellow 182 

(Hiinese 184 

Downton 174 

Dutch 185 

Elton  Seedling - 179 

Gibb’s  Seedling,  black 186 

Hautbois,  Black 171 

, French  Musk 174 

, Common 182 

, Prolific 171 

, Globe 183 

, Large  flat 183 


Hudson’s  Bay 189 

Hudson,  New 177 

Keens’  Seedling 170 

Imperial 176 

Knight’s  narrow  leaved  scarlet 171 

I.arge  scarlet  Lima 178 

Melon  188 

Mulberry  184 

Old  Black 186 

Pine,  Blood 184 

, Glazed 185 

, Old,  or  Carolina 186 

, Variegated 184 

Roseberry' - 173 

, Black 176 

Scarlet,  American 187 

, Austrian 178 

, Autumn 187 

,Bath--.- 185 

, Bishop’s  seedling 187 

, Carmine 186 

, Cluster 189 

, Cockscomb 190 

, Early 186 

, Garnestone 188 

, Grimstone - - - 188 

, Grove-end 186 

, Knight’s  large 191 

, Large  early 177 

• Lewisham 191 

' , Methven 191 

, Nairn’s 176 

, Oblong 191 

, Pitmaston  black 192 

, Scone 192 

,Sir  Joseph  Banks’ 190 

, Vernon’s 190 

, Wilmot’s  late 190 

Southborough  Seedling 175 

Surinam 184 

Sweet  Cone 172 

W’ilmot’s  Superb 182 

Wood,  English  red 179 

, English  white 179 

, Long  conical 170 

PEARS. 

Alexandre  de  Russie 197 

Ambrosia 193 

Barland 209 

Belle  lucrative 198 

Bcurre  Knox 198 

Bezy  vaet 198 

Bishop’s  Thumb 199 

Bleeker’s  Meadow 215 

Blodget 216 

Bonchretien  fondante 199 

, Flemish 206 

Cabot 214 

Charles  d’Autriche 195 

Colmar,  Autumn 197\ 

, Sovereign 213 

Darirnont - 200 

Dillen 200 

Dearborn’s  Seedling 214 

Double  d’Aiitomnc 195 

Doyenne  panache - 200 

santelete 201 

Elton 196 

Fondante  des  bois - 212 

Frederic  de  Wurtemberg 211 

Fulton 214 

Gendescim 201 

Glout  morceau 207 

Green  winter  sylvanchc 214 

Grumkower 207 

Hacon’s  incomparable 201 

Hazel- 202 

Henry  the  fourth 202 

Hoi  more 209 

Honey 216 

Hu  flea p 209 


VI 


INDEX. 


Incommunicjible  -• 

Innoniinee 

Keizer 

Lamas 

London  f?ugar 

I/)ngland 

Moorfowl  Egg 

Napoleon 

Newbridge 

Oldfield 

Orange 

Poire  de  Louvaine 

Neill 

Raymond 


Riche  depofllle - 205 

St.  Germain  Prunes 211 

Lent 208 

Sabine  d’ete lOl 

Seigneur  d’ete 104 

Teinton  Squash 210 

Tillington 20S 

Urbanisle 206 

Williams’s  double-bearing 215 

Yat,  or  Yut 104 

Preface vii 

j Abbreviations  of  References xvi 

1 Errata - 216 


203 

213 

203 

193 

193 

210 

196 

204 

204 

210 

215 

205 

205 

214 


PREFACE  TO  PART  II. 


In  tendering  to  the  public  the  sccand  volume  of  the  Pomological  Manual,  it 
may  be  proper  to  indulge  in  a few  remarks,  explanatory  of  the  views  and  objects 
of  the  author.  It  being  found  impossible  to  comprise  descriptions  of  all  the  valu- 
able varieties  of  fruits  within  the  limits  of  the  two  volumes,  more  particularly 
as  the  varieties  of  apples  alone  would  occupy  nearly  or  quite  an  entire  volume 
of  the  present  size,  it  has  been  deemed  the  best  course  to  concentrate,  in  the  first 
and  second  volumes,  as  great  a variety  as  possible  of  the  other  classes  of  fruits, 
leaving  the  apples  to  form  an  after  volume,  which  will  contain,  in  addition  thereto, 
the  descriptions  of  other  classes  of  fruits  not  comprised  in  the  two  first  volumes,  as 
well  as  some  additional  varieties  of  the  classes  previously  noticed.  The  great 
number  of  specimen  trees  at  present  under  culture  in  the  experimental  grounds 
of  the  establishment  whence  this  work  emanates,  is  calculated  to  afi'ord  the 
most  important  facilities  for  future  investigations,  and  for  the  correction  of  errors 
still  existing  in  the  nomenclature  of  fruits.  The  collection  of  apples  has  been 
made  an  object  of  great  interest,  it  being  a fruit  whose  culture  is  of  the  highest 
importance  to  our  country ; and  the  care  and  circumspection  that  have  been  ex- 
ercised, in  order  to  concentrate  the  choicest  varieties,  can  scarcely  fail  to  termi- 
nate in  the  happiest  results. 

One  great  object  of  the  labors  of  the  author,  and  of  his  father  and  brother, 
whose  aid  is  combined  with  his  own,  has  been  to  furnish  the  public  with  precise 
descriptions  of  the  different  varieties  of  fruits  cultivated  in  their  nurseries,  and 
they  trust  they  shall  succeed  in  that  object.  Wherever,  in  describing  a fruit,  a 
reference  is  made  to  their  catalogue,  the  identity  is  either  known  or  believed  to 
exist,  and  "each  year  will  afford  additional  opportunities  for  a satisfactory  con- 
firmation of  all  doubtful  points.  It  is  possible,  however,  that  an  occasional 
error  may  arise  from  misplaced  reliance  in  a correspondent,  who  may  err  in  his 
communications;  or  in  the  identity  of  articles  obtained  from  him — but  they  trust 
that  their  unceasing  zeal  will  eventually  eradicate  any  discrepancies  on  this  head. 

It  needs  only  to  be  added,  that  in  the  whole  progress  of  this  work,  the  utmost 
candor  has  been,  and  will  continue  to  be  exercised,  and  all  important  facts  within 
the  knowledge  of  the  author,  and  of  those  associated  with  him,  will  be  fully  com- 
municated. This  work,  when  completed,  will  comprise  all  that  is  useful  or  im- 
portant in  the  more  ancient  publications,  and  also  all  descriptions  of  choice  fruits 
contained  in  the  New  Duharacl,  the  Transactions  of  the  London  Horticultural 
Society,  the  Transactions  of  the  Horticultural  Society  of  Paris,  the  Pomological 
Magazine,  the  Pyrus  Malus  Brentfordiensis,  Lind  ley’s  Guide  to  the  Orchard 
and  Kitchen  Garden,  the  different  publications  of  Van  Monsand  other  Flemish 
and  German  pomologrsts,  and  of  the  other  modern  writers  of  authority,  and  will 
further  combine,  as  an  object  of  the  highest  importance,  the  descriptions  of  all 
the  choicest  varieties  of  fruits  which  have  originated  in  our  own  country. 

In  “ Lindley’s  Guide,”  above  referred  to,  an  introductory  article  is  given  on 
the  subject  of  “Amelioration  and  Propagation,”  the  purport  of  which  accords 
so  generally  with  the  views  of  the  author  of  the  present  work,  that  he  has  quoted 
it  here  entire.  The  greater  part  of  the  fruits  comprised  in  Mr.  Lindley’s 
publication,  having  been  described  in  the  course  of  the  present  work,  before  his 
had  reached  this  country,  there  consequently  remains  a portion  only  to  be  in- 
cluded in  an  after  volume,  which  has  been  already  prepared  for  publication. 


Vlll 


PKEFACE. 


“ In  all  books  upon  jrardening  a great  variety  of  modes  of  operating  are  com- 
prehended, each  of  which  has,  it  may  be  supposed,  its  own  peculiar  merit  under 
particular  circumstances.  In  several  the  very  same  mode  is  repeatedly  recom- 
inejided,  with  slight  variations  of  phraseology,  in  speaking  of  many  different 
subjects;  and  it  has  at  last  become  a common  com[)laint,  among  those  who  seek 
for  information  from  books  upon  horticultural  subjects,  that  they  can  find  plenty 
of  rules  of  action,  but  very  few  reasons. 

“ No  greater  boon  could  l)e  bestowed  upon  the  gardening  world  than  to  reduce 
all  horticultural  operations  to  their  first  [irinciples,  and  to  lay  bare  the  naked 
causes  why  in  one  case  one  mode  of  procedure  is  advisable,  and  another  in 
another.  But  there  arc  few  persons  who  are  competent  to  undertake  this  task  • 
it  requires  a combination  of  great  physiological  knowledge,  with  a perfect  ac- 
quaintance with  the  common  manipulation  of  the  gardener’s  art,  and  much 
experience  in  ail  the  little  accidents  which  are  scarcely  appreciable  by  the  most 
observing  cultivator,  with  which  the  mere  man  of  science  can  necessarily  have 
no  acquaintance,  but  upon  which  the  success  of  a gardener’s  operations  often 
mainly  depends;  which  are  to  the  cultivator  signs  as  certain  of  the  issue  of  his 
experiments,  as  to  the  mariner  are  the  almost  invisible  changes  in  the  appearance 
of  the  heavens  by  which  the  weather  is  prognosticated. 

“ Deeply  impressed  with  a jicrsuasion  of  the  justice  of  the  foregoing  observa- 
tions, and  sincerely  regretting  that  there  should  be  no  present  expectation  of 
such  a task  being  undertaken  by  any  one  fully  competent  to  it,  the  Editor  of 
this  work  ventures  to  throw  liimscJf  upon  the  indulgence  of  the  public  by  at- 
tempting, not  to  carry  into  effect  such  a plan  himself,  but  to  sketch  out,  in  regard 
to  the  Fruit  Garden,  what  he  thinks  the  method  should  be  upon  which  a more 
competent  person  would  do  well  to  proceed. 

‘‘  All  our  fruits,  without  exception,  have  been  so  much  ameliorated  by  one  cir- 
cumstance or  another,  that  they  no  longer  bear  any  resemblance  in  respect  of 
quality  to  their  original.  Who,  for  instance,  would  recognise  the  wild  parent  of 
the  Coe’s  or  Green  Gage  Plum  in  the  savage  Sloe,  or  that  of  the  Ribston  and 
Golden  Pippin  Apples  in  the  worthless  acid  Crab  7 Or  what  resemblance  can 
now  be  traced  between  the  delicious  Beurr6  Pears,  whose  flesh  is  so  succu- 
lent, rich,  and  melting,  and  that  hard,  stony,  astringent  fruit,  which  even  birds 
and  animals  refuse  to  eat?  Yet  these  are  undoubted  cases  of  improvement  re- 
sulting from  time  and  skill  patiently  and  constantly  in  action.  The  constant 
dropping  of  water  will  not  more  surely  wear  away  the  hardest  stone,  than  will 
the  reason  of  man  in  time  compel  all  nature  to  become  subservient  to  his  wants 
or  wishes.  But  it  would  be  of  little  service  to  mankind  that  the  quality  of  any 
fruit  should  be  improved,  unless  We  found  some  efficient  and  certain  mode  of 
multiplying  the  individuals  when  obtained.  Hence  there  are  two  great  con- 
siderations to  which  it  is,  above  all  things,  necessary  that  the  attention  of  the 
cultivator  should  be  directed,  viz.  Abielioration  and  Propagation. 

“ Amelioration  consists  either  in  acquiring  new  and  improved  varieties  of  fruit, 
or  in  increasing  their  good  qualities  W’hen  acquired.  It  will  be  as  well  to  con- 
sider these  two  subjects  separately. 

“ By  what  means  the  first  tendency  to  change  tlieir  nature  was  given  to  do- 
mesticated plants,  we  are  entirely  ignorant.  It  is  probable  that  it  was  originally 
due  to  accident,  and  also  that  it  was  still  mere  chance  which  continued  to  ope- 
rate down  to  very  modern  times.  Philosophers  are  unacquainted  with  the  reason 
why  there  should  be  any  tendency  to  variation  from  the  characters  first  stamped 
on  any  species  by  Nature;  but  all  know  that  this  tendency  does  exist,  and  in  a 
most  remarkable  degree  in  many  species.  There  is  in  all  beings  a disposition  to 
deviate  from  their  original  nature  when  cultivated,  or  even  in  a wild  state  ; but 
this  disposition  is  so  strong  in  some  as  to  render  them  particularly  well  adapted 
to  become  subject  to  domestication  : for  instance,  the  dog,  the  pigeon,  and  the 
barn-yard  fowl,  are  cases  in  which  this  tendency  is  most  strongly  marked  iu 
animals;  and  domesticated  fruits  are  a parallel  casein  the  vegetable  world. 

“ Without,  then,  vainly  endeavouring  to  discover  the  first  cause  of  this  dispo- 
sition to  form  varieties,  let  us  take  it  as  a naked  fact  that  the  disposition  exists. 
Cultivators  increase  this  disposition  chiefly  in  two  ways;  either  by  constantly 
selecting  the  finest  existing  varieties  for  .seed,  or  by  intermixing  the  pollen  and 
stigma  of  two  varieties  for  the  purpose  of  procuring  something  ofan  intermediate 
nature.  The  ancients  were  unacquainted  with  either  of  these  practices,  and  con- 


PREFACE. 


IX 


sequently  their  gardens  contained  few  things  which  would  now  be  deemed  worthy 
of  cultivation.  The  power  of  obtaining  cross-bred  varieties  at  pleasure  has  only 
existed  since  the  discovery  of  sexes  in  plants  ; but  as  it  exerts  a most  extensive 
influence  over  alterations  in  the  vegetable  kingdom,  it  may  be  considered  the 
most  important  controlling  power  that  we  possess. 

“ In  sowing  seeds  for  the  purpose  of  procuring  improved  varieties,  care  should 
be  had,  not  only  that  the  seeds  be  taken  from  the  finest  existing  kinds;  but  also 
that  the  most  handsome,  the  largest  and  the  most  perfectly  ripened  specimens 
should  be  those  that  supply  the  seed.  A seedling  plant  will  always  partake 
more  or  less  of  the  character  of  its  parent,  the  qualities  of  which  are  concentrated 
in  the  embryo  when  it  has  arrived  at  full  maturity.  How  this  concentration 
takes  place,  we  are  as  ignorant  as  why  certain  constitutional  peculiarities  are  in 
men  transferred  from  father  to  son,  and  from  generation  to  generation ; but  we 
know  that  it  does  take  place.  Now  if  the  general  qualities  of  a given  variety  are  con- 
centrated in  the  embryo  under  any  circumstances,  it  is  reasonable  to  suppose  that 
they  will  be  most  especially  concentrated  in  a seed  taken  from  that  part  of  a tree 
in  which  its  peculiar  good  qualities  reside  in  the  highest  degree.  For,  instance, 
in  the  fruit  of  an  apple  growing  upon  a north  wall  there  is  a smaller  formation 
of  sugar  than  in  the  same  variety  growing  on  a south  wall;  and  it  can  be  easily 
understooil  that  the  seed  of  that  fruit  which  is  itself  least  capable  of  forming 
saccharine  secretions,  will  acquire  from  its  parent  a less  power  of  the  same  nature 
than  if  it  had  been  formed  within  a fruit  in  which  the  saccharine  principle  was 
abundant.  It  should  therefore  be  always  an  object  with  a gardener,  in  selecting 
a variety  to  become  the  parent  of  a new  sort,  to  stimulate  that  variety  by  every 
means  in  his  power,  to  produce  the  largest  and  the  most  fully  ripened  fruit  that 
it  is  capable  of  bearing.  The  importance  of  doing  this  is  well  known  in  regard 
to  Melons  and  Cucumbers,  and  also  in  preserving  fugitive  varieties  of  flowers  ; 
but  it  is  not  generally  practised  in  raising  fruit  trees. 

“ The  power  of  •procuring  intermediate  varieties  by  the  intermixture  of  the 
pollen  and  stigma  of  two  diilerent  parents  is,  however,  that  which  most  deserves 
consideration.  We  all  know  that  hybrid  plants  are  constantly  produced  in  every 
garden,  and  that  improvements  of  the  most  remarkable  kind  are  yearly  occurring 
in  consequence.  Experiments  are,  however,  it  may  be  supposed,  sometimes  made 
without  the  operator  being 'exactly  aware  either  of  the  precise  nature  of  the  action 
to  which  he  is  trusting  for  success,  or  of  the  limits  within  which  his  experiments 
should  be  confined. 

“ Cross  fertilization  is  efiected,  as  every  one  knows,  by  the  action  of  the  pollen 
of  one  plant  upon  the  stigma  of  another.  The  nature  of  this  action  is  highly 
curious.  Pollen  consist  of  extremely  minute  hollow  balls  or  bodies  ; their  cavity 
is  filled  with  fluid,  in  which  swim  particles  of  a figure  varying  from  spherical  to 
oblong,  and  having  an  apparently  spontaneous  motion.  The  stigma  is  composed 
of  very  lax  tissue,  the  intercellular  passages  of  which  have  a greater  diameter 
than  the  moving  particles  of  the  pollen. 

“ When  a grain  of  pollen  comes  into  contact  with  the  stigma,  it  bursts  and 
discharges  its  contents  among  the  lax  tissue  upon  which  it  has  fallen.  The  mov- 
ing particles  descend  through  the  ti. uc  of  the  style,  until  one,  or  sometimes  more, 
of  them  finds  its  way,  by  routes  specially  destined  by  nature  for  this  service,  into 
a little  opening  in  the  integuments  of  the  ovulurnor  young  seed.  Once  deposited 
there,  the  particle  swells,  increases  gradually  in  size,  separates  into  radicle  and 
cotyledons,  and  finally  becomes  the  embryo, — that  part  which  is  to  give  birth, 
when  the  seed  is  sown,  to  a new  individual. 

“ Such  being  the  mode  in  which  the  pollen  influences  the  stigma  and  .subse- 
quently the  seed,  a practical  consequence  of  great  importance  necessarily  follows, 
viz.  that  in  all  cases  of  cross  fertilization,  the  now  variety  will  take  chiefly  after 
its  polleniferous  or  male  parent ; and  that  at  the  same  time  it  will  acquire  some 
of  the  constitutional  peculiarities  of  its  mother.'*'  Thus,  the  male  parent  of  the 
Downton  Strawberry  was  the  Old  Black,  the  female  a kind  of  Scarlet ; in  Coe’s 
Golden  Drop  Plum,  the  father  was  the  Yellow  Magnum  Bonum,  the  mother  the 
Green  Gage;  and  in  the  Elton  Cherry  the  White  Heart  was  the  male  parent, 
and  the  Graffion  the  female. 

* In  early  crosses  between  distinct  species,  this  is  particularly  manifest ; hut  in  those  of 
varieties  lonp  domesticated  it  is  less  apparent,  the  distinctions  between  the  parents  them- 
selves being  less  fixed,  and  less  clearly  marked. 

b 


X 


PREFACE. 


“ The  limits  within  which  experiments  of  this  kind  must  be  confined  are,  how- 
ever, narrow.  It  seems  that  cross  fertilization  will  not  take  place  at  all,  or  very 
rarely,  between  different  species,  unless  these  species  are  nearly  related  to  each 
other;  and  that  the  offspring  of  the  two  distinct  species  is  itself  sterile,  or  if  it 
possesses  the  power  of  multiplying  itself  by  seed,  its  progeny  returns  back  to  the 
state  of  one  or  other  of  its  parents.  Hence  it  seldom  or  never  has  happened 
that  domesticated  fruits  have  had  such  an  origin.  We  have  no  varieties  raised 
between  the  Apple  and  the  Pear,  or  the  Quince  and  the  latter,  or  the  Plum  and 
Cherry,  or  the  Gooseberry  and  the  Currant.  On  the  other  hand,  new  varieties 
obtained  by  the  intermixture  of  two  pre-existing  varieties  are  not  less  prolific, 
but,  on  the  contrary,  often  more  so  than  either  of  their  parents ; witness  the  nu- 
merous sorts  of  Flemish  Pears  which  have  been  raised  by  cross  fertilization  from 
bad  bearers,  within  the  last  twenty  years,  and  which  are  the  most  prolific  fruit 
trees  with  which  gardeners  are  acquainted  ; witness  also  Mr.  Knight’s  Cherries, 
raised  between  the  May  Duke  and  the  Graffion,  and  the  Coe’s  Plum  already 
mentioned. 

“ It  is,  therefore,  to  the  intermixture  of  the  most  valuable  existing  varieties  of 
fruit  that  gardeners  should  trust  for  the  amelioration  of  their  stock.  By  this 
operation  the  pears  that  are  in  eating  in  the  spring  have  been  rendered  as  deli- 
cious and  as  fertile  as  those  of  the  autumn  ; and  there  is  no  apparent  reason  why 
those  very  early,  but  worthless  sorts,  such  as  the  Muscat  Robert,  which  usher  in 
the  season  of  Pears,  should  not  be  brought  to  a similar  state  of  perfection. 

“ There  is  no  kind  of  fruit,  however  delicious,  that  may  not  be  deteriorated,  or 
however  worthless,  that  may  not  be  ameliorated,  by  particular  modes  of  manage- 
rnent ; so  that  after  a given  variety  shall  have  been  created,  its  merits  ma^  still  be 
either  elicited  or  destroyed  by  the  cultivator.  In  this  place  those  practices  only 
need  be  considered  that  tend  to  improvement. 

“ Some  fruits  of  excellent  quality  are  bad  bearers ; this  defect  is  remedied  by  a 
variety  of  different  methods,  such  as,  1.  By  ringing  the  hark;  2.  By  bending 
branches  downwards ; 3.  By  training  ; and,  4.  By  the  use  of  different  kinds  of 
stocks.  All  these  practices  are  intended  to  produce  exactly  the  same  effect  by  dif- 
ferent ways.  Physiologists  know  that  whatever  tends  to  cause  a rapid  diffusion 
of  the  sap  and  secretions  of  any  plant,  causes  also  the  formation  of  leaf  buds  in- 
stead of  flower  buds;  and  that  whatever,  on  the  contrary,  tends  to  cause  an  ac- 
cumulation of  sap  and  secretions,  has  the  effect  of  producing  flower  buds  in 
abundance.  This  circumstance,  which  at  first  sight  seems  to  be  difficult  to 
account  for  physiogically,  is  no  doubt  to  be  explained  by  the  difference  between 
leaf  buds  and  flower  buds  themselves.  In  a leaf  bud,  all  the  ajipendages  or  leaves, 
are  in  a high  state  of  development,  and  the  central  part  or  axis,  around  which 
they  are  arranged,  has  a tendency  to  extend  itself  in  the  form  of  a branch  as  soon 
as  the  necessary  stimulus  has  been  communicated  to  the  system  by  the  light  and 
warmth  of  spring.  In  a flower  bud,  the  appendages  or  leaves  are  in  that  imper- 
fectly formed,  contracted  state,  which  we  name  calyx,  corolla,  stamens,  and  pistiJla ; 
and  the  central  part  around  which  they  are  arranged,  has  itself  no  tendency  to  elon- 
gate under  the  influence  of  the  usual  stimulants.  Hence,  a flower  bud,  or  flower, 
is  nothing  but  a contracted  branch ; as  is  proved  by  the  occasional  elongation  of 
the  axis  in  flowers  that  expand  during  unusually  hot  damp  weather  late  in  the 
spring,  becoming  branches,  bearing  sepals  and  petals  instead  of  leaves.  It  is, 
therefore,  easily  to  be  understood  why,  so  long  as  all  the  motions  in  the  fluids  and 
secretions  of  a tree  go  on  rapidly,  with  vigor,  and  without  interruption,  only  rudi- 
ments of  branches  (or  leaf  buds)  should  be  formed;  and  why,  on  the  other  hand, 
when  the  former  become  languid,  and  the  parts  are  formed  slowly,  bodies  of  a 
contracted  nature,  with  no  disposition  to  extension,  (or  flower  buds)  should  appear. 

“ It  will  be  found  that  the  success  of  the  practices  above  enumerated,  to  which 
the  gardener  has  recourse  in  order  to  increase  the  fertility  of  his  fruit  trees,  is  to 
be  explained  by  what  has  just  been  said.  In  ringing  fruit  trees,  a cylinder  of 
bark  is  cut  from  the  branch,  by  which  means  the  return  of  the  elaborated  juices 
from  the  leaves  down  the  bark  is  cut  off,  and  all  that  would  have  been  expended 
below  the  annular  incision  is  confined  to  the  branch  above  it.  This  produces  an 
accumulation  of  proper  juice;  and  flower  buds,  or  fertility,  are  the  result.  But 
there  is  a defect  in  this  practice,  to  which  want  of  success  in  many  cases  is  no 
doubt  to  be  attributed.  Although  the  returning  fluid  is  found  to  accumulate 
above  the  annular  incision,  yet  the  ascending  sap  flows  along  the  alburnum  into 


PREFACE. 


XI 


the  buds  with  nearly  as  much  rapidity  as  ever,  so  that  the  accumulation  is  but 
imperfectly  produced.  On  this  account  the  second  practice,  oi bending  branches 
downwards  is  found  to  be  attended  with  more  certain  consequences.  The  effect 
of  turning  the  branches  of  a tree  from  thair  natural  position  to  a pendulous  or  a 
horizontal  one  is,  to  impede  both  the  ascent  and  the  descent  of  the  fluids  in  a gra- 
dual but  certain  manner.  The  tissue  of  which  branches  are  composed  is  certain- 
ly permeable  to  fluids  in  every  direction;  and  there  can  be  no  doubt  that  the  vital 
action  of  the  vessels  of  a plant  is  performed  both  in  the  natural  and  in  an  invert- 
ed position.  So  long  as  that  erect  direction  of  the  branches  which  is  natural  to 
them  is  exactly  maintained,  the  flow  of  their  fluids,  being  subject  to  no  interrup- 
tions, will  take  place  in  the  freest  possible  manner;  but  the  moment  this  natural 
direction  is  deviated  from,  the  vessels  become  more  or  less  compressed,  their  action 
is  impeded,  and  finally,  if  the  inversion  is  perfect,  it  becomes  so  slow  that  an 
accumulation  of  the  proper  juices  necessarily  takes  place  through  every  part  of 
the  system. 

“ One  of  the  objects  of  training  is  to  produce  the  same  effect.  Branches  are 
bent  more  or  less  from  their  naturally  erect  position  ; their  motion,  in  consequence 
of  the  action  of  winds  upon  them,  which  is  known  to  facilitate  the  movement  of 
the  fluids,  is  totally  destroyed;  and  hence  arises  the  accumulation  of  proper  juice 
which  is  necessary  to  their  fertility.  Nor  is  the  injiuence  of  the  stock  of  an  es- 
sentially different  nature.  In  proportion  as  the  scion  and  the  s^ock  approacdi 
each  other  closely  in  constitution,  the  less  effect  is  produced  by  the  latter;  and, 
on  the  contrary,  in  proportion  to  the  constitutional  difference  between  the  stock 
and  the  scion,  is  the  effect  of  the  former  important.  Thus,  when  Pears  are 
grafted  or  budded  on  the  wild  species.  Apples  upon  Crabs,  Plums  upon  Plums, 
and  Peaches  upon  Peaches  or  Almonds,  the  scion  is,  in  regard  to  fertility,  exactly 
in  the  same  state  as  if  it  had  not  been  grafted  at  all.  W&le,  on  the  other  hand, 
a great  increase  of  fertility  is  the  result  of  grafting  Pears  upon  duinces.  Peaches 
upon  Plums,  Apples  upon  Whitethorn,  and  the  like.  In  these  latter  cases,  the 
food  absorbed  from  the  earth  by  the  root  of  the  stock,  is  communicated  slowly 
and  unwillingly  to  the  scion;  under  no  circumstances  is  the  communication 
between  the  one  and  the  other  as  free  and  perfect  as  if  their  natures  had  been 
more  nearly  the  same;  the  sap  is  impeded  in  its  ascent,  and  the  proper  juices 
are  impeded  in  their  descent,  whence  arises  that  accumulation  of  secretion  which 
is  sure  to  be  attended  by  increased  fertility.  No  other  influence  than  this  can  be 
exercised  by  the  scion  upon  the  stock.  Those  who  fancy  that  the  contrary  takes 
place  ; that  the  Cluince,  for  instance,  communicates  some  portion  of  its  austerity 
to  the  Pear,  can  scarcely  have  considered  the  question  physiologically,  or  they 
would  have  seen  that  the  whole  of  the  food  communicated  from  the  alburnum  of 
the  Cluince  to  that  of  the  Pear,  is  in  nearly  the  same  state  as  when  it  entered  the 
roots  of  the  former.  W^hatever  elaboration  it  undergoes  must  necessarilv  take 
place  in  the  foliage  of  the  Pear;  where,  far  from  the  influence  of  the  Cluince, 
secretions  natural  to  the  variety  go  on  with  no  more  interruption  than  if  the 
Cluince  formed  no  part  of  the  system  of  the  individual. 

“ If  we  consider  upon  what  principle  the  flavour  of  particular  fruits  may  be 
improved^  we  shall  find  that  it  is  entirely  due  to  the  increased  action  of  the  vital 
functions  of  leaves.  When  the  sap  is  first  communicated  by  the  stem  to  the 
leaves,  it  has  experienced  but  few  chemical  changes  since  it  first  entered  the 
roots.  Such  changes  as  it  has  undergone  have  been  due  rather  to  the  solution 
of  some  of  the  pre-existing  peculiar  secretions  of  the  individual  by  the  sap  in 
its  way  upwards  through  the  alburnum,  than  to  any  other  cause.  As  soon,  how- 
ever, as  it  enters  the  leaves,  it  becomes  altered  in  a variety  of  ways,  by  the  com- 
bined action  of  air,  and  light,  and  evaporation ; for  which  purposes  the  leaf  is 
admirably  adapted  by  its  anatomical  structure.  Thus  altered  in  the  leaves,  it 
ceases  to  be  what  we  call  sap,  but  becomes  the  proper  juice ; or,  in  other  words, 
acquires  the  peculiar  character  of  the  final  secretions  of  the  individual  from 
which  it  is  formed.  Discharged  by  the  leaves  into  the  bark,  it  is  then  conveyed 
by  myriads  of  channels  of  cellular  substance  throughout  the  whole  system. 
From  these  secretions,  of  whatever  nature  they  may  be,  the  fruit  has  the  power 
of  attracting  such  portions  as  are  necessary  for  its  maturation.  Hence  it  follows, 
that  the  more  we  can  increase  the  j)eculiar  secretions  of  a plant,  the  higher  will 
W.come  the  quality  of  its  fruit;  and  that,  on  the  other  hand,  the  le.ss  the  plant  is 
in  condition  to  form  those  secretions,  the  less  will  be  the  quality  of  the  fruit.  It 


XU 


PREFACE, 


is  for  the  purpose  of  producing  the  former  effect  that  pruning  and  training  trees 
are  more  especially  destined.  In  pruning,  we  remove  all  those  superfluous 
branches  which  overshadowed  the  remainder,  and  we  endeavor  to  expose  every 
part  to  the  freest  action  of  light  and  air.  In  training,  the  same  thing  takes 
place,  but  is  increased  ; there  is  not  a branch  that  is  not  fully  exposed  to  the 
most  direct  rays  of  liglit,  and  to  the  freest  circulation  of  air,  and  even  to  the  un- 
impeded action  of  the  sun  in  aspects  exposed  to  the  south,  east,  or  west.  This 
action  is  obviously  most  powerful  on  the  south,  and  hence  the  higher  quality  of 
fruits  matured  upon  that  exposure  than  on  any  other ; while,  on  the  other  hand, 
fruits  raised  upon  a northern  aspect  are  well  known  to  be  less  highly  flavored 
than  those  from  even  an  open  standard.  For  a similar  reason,  forced  fruits, 
which  are  obtained  at  a period  when  there  is  little  light,  cannot  be  compared  with 
those  which  are  matured  in  the  full  blaze  of  a summer  sun;  and  hence  melons 
grown  in  frames  covered  with  mats,  and  carefully  excluded  from  the  influence  of 
that  solar  light  which  is  indispensable  to  them,  have,  whatever  may  be  their  ex- 
ternal beauty,  none  of  that  luscious  flavor  which  the  melon,  when  well  cultivat- 
ed, possesses  in  so  eminent  a degree. 

“ The  next  subject  of  consideration  is  the  mode  of  multiplying  improved  vari- 
eties of  fruit,  so  as  to  continue  in  the  progeny  exactly  the  same  qualities  as  exist- 
ed in  the  parent.  Unless  we  have  the  power  of  doing  this  readily,  the  advanta- 
ges of  procuring  im[)roved  races  would  be  very  much  circumscribed;  and  the 
art  of  horticulture,  in  this  respect,  would  be  one  of  the  greatest  uncertainty. 
The  usual  mode  of  increasing  plants,  that  mode  which  has  been  more  especially 
provided  by  nature,  is  by  seeds;  but,  while  seeds  increase  the  species  without 
error,  the  peculiarities  of  varieties  can  rarely  be  perpetuated  in  the  same  manner. 
In  order  to  secure  the  multiplication  of  a variety,  with  all  its  qualities  unaltered, 
it  is  necessary  that  portions  should  be  detached  from  the  original  individual,  and 
converted  into  new  individuals,  each  to  undergo  a similar  dismemberment,  >xith 
similar  consequences.  It  happens  that  while  in  animals  this  is  impracticable, 
except  in  the  case  of  polypes,  the  system  of  life  in  a plant  is,  of  all  others,  the 
best  adapted  to  such  a purpose.  We  are  accustomed  to  consider  individual 
plants  of  exactly  the  same  nature  as  individual  animals;  this  is,  however,  a vul- 
gar error,  which  is  dissipated  by  the  slightest  inquiry  into  the  nature  of  a plant. 
A plant  is  really  an  animated  body,  composed  of  infinite  multitudes  of  systems 
of  life  ; all  indeed,  united  in  a whole,  but  each  having  an  independent  existence. 
When,  therefore,  any  number  of  these  systems  of  life  is  removed,  those  which 
remain,  as  well  as  those  which  are  se})arated,  will,  under  fitting  circumstances, 
continue  to  perform  their  natural  functions  as  well  as  if  no  union  between  them 
had  ever  existed.  These  systems  of  life  are  buds,  each  having  a power  of  emit- 
ting descending  fibres  in  the  form  of  roots,  and  also  of  ascending  in  the  form  of 
stem.  The  first  of  these  buds  is  the  embryo  ; the  others  are  subsequently  form- 
ed on  the  stem  emitted  by  the  embryo.  As  these  secondaiy  buds  develope,  their 
descending  roots  combine  and  form  the  wood,  their  ascending  stems  give  rise 
again  to  new  buds.  These  buds  are  all  exactly  like  each  other ; they  have  the 
same  constitution,  the  same  organic  structure,  and  the  individuals  they  are  capa- 
ble of  producing  are,  consequently,  all  identically  the  same  ; allowance,  of  course, 
being  made  for  such  accidental  injuries  or  alterations  as  they  may  .sustain  during 
their  subsequent  grow-th.  It  is  upon  the  existence  of  such  a remarkable  physio- 
logical peculiarity  in  plants,  that  propagation  entirely  depends  ; an  evident  proof 
of  which  may  be  seen  in  this  circumstance.  Take  a cutting  of  a vine  consisting 
only  of  the  space  which  lies  between  two  buds,  or  an  internodium,  as  botanists 
Would  call  such  a piece,  and  no  art  will  succeed  in  ever  making  it  become  a new 
plant,  no  matter  how  considerable  the  size  of  the  internodium  may  be.*  But, 
on  the  other  hand,  take  the  bud  of  a ^ine  w ithout  any  portion  of  the  stem  adher- 
ing to  it,  and  it  will  throw  out  stem  and  root,  and  become  a new  plant  immtdi- 
ately.  If  we  examine  the  various  modes  employed  in  horticulture  for  propagat- 
ing plants,  w’e  shall  find  that,  however  different  they  may  be  in  appearance,  they 
all  consist  in  the  application  of  these  principles  under  various  forms.  It  will  be 
most  convenient  to  consider  these  methods  separately. 

Propagation  is  effected  by  the  arts  of  Increasing  by  Eyes^  Striking  from  Cut- 
tings, Laying,  Budding, and  Grafting. 

* This  is,  of  course,  said  without  reference  to  the  power  which  some  plants  possess  of 
developing  latent  huds,  a subject  which  is  foreign  to  the  present  inquiry. 


PREFACE. 


Xltl 


Increasing  by  Eyes  is  the  simplest  of  all  these  methods  : it  consists  in  nothing 
but  extracting  a single  system  of  life,  or  a bud,  from  a given  plant,  placing  it  in 
due  heat  and  moisture,  and  surrounding  it  with  fitting  food,  and  thus  causing  it 
to  grow  as  a solitary  individual,  instead  of  as  one  of  the  community  to  which  it 
originally  belonged. 

“ Striking  from  Cuttings  is  a slight  modification  of  the  last  method.  Instead 
of  taking  a single  bud,  a stem  containing  two,  three,  or  more  buds,  is  placed  in 
circumstances  fitted  for  the  maintenance  of  its  life.  In  this  case,  the  chances  of 
success  are  increased  by  the  additional  number  of  buds  which  are  the  subject  of 
experiment.  That  bud  which  is  the  nearest  the  bottom  of  the  cutting,  emits  its 
roots  at  once  into  the  earth,  and  so  establishes  a communication  between  the  ge- 
neral system  of  the  cutting  and  the  medium  from  which  its  food  is  to  be  derived. 
The  other  buds,  by  pushing  their  stems  upwards  into  light,  attract  the  nutriment 
absorbed  by  the  roots,  and  so  stimulate  the  latter  to  increased  action.  Ultimately 
the  roots  of  all  the  buds  descend  between  the  bark  and  the  wood  until  they  reach 
the  earth,  into  which  they  finally  pass,  like  those  of  the  first  bud.  There  is  an- 
other circumstance  which  renders  the  operation  of  striking  plants  from  cuttings 
less  precarious  than  from  eyes.  In  both  cases,  the  buds  have,  at  the  outset,  to 
feed  upon  matter  in  their  vicinity,  until  they  shall  have  formed  roots  which  are 
capable  of  absorbing  food  from  the  earlh  ; but  in  eyes,  the  nutritive  matter  can 
exist  only  in  such  portions  of  the  stem  as  may  have  been  cut  away  with  them- 
selves; while,  on  the  other  hand,  in  cuttings,  the  stem  itself  forms  an  important 
reservoir  of  nutriment.  This  is  a consideration,  the  practical  importance  of 
which  will  be  obvious  to  every  cultivator.  As  it  is  from  the  buds  alone  of  cut- 
tings that  roots  proceed,  it  follows,  that  in  cases  of  difficulty,  when  plants  strike 
unwillingly,  any  thing  which  may  facilitate  the  immediate  introduction  of  roots 
into  the  soil  will  be  advantageous.  It  is  for  this  reason  that  a good  operator 
always  takes  care,  that  the  lower  end  of  his  cutting  is  pared  down  as  close  to  the 
base  of  a bud  as  may  be  practicable  without  actually  destroying  any  part  of  the 
bud  itself;  by  this  means  the  first  emitted  roots,  instead  of  having  to  find  their 
way  downwards  between  the  bark  and  wood,  strike  at  once  into  the  earth,  and 
become  a natural  channel  by  which  nutriment  is  conveyed  into  the  general  sys- 
tem of  the  cutting. 

Laying  is  nothing  but  striking  from  cuttings  that  are  still  allowed  to  maintain 
their  connection  with  the  mother  plant  by  means  of  a portion  at  least  of  their 
stem.  Where  roots  are  emitted  with  great  readiness,  simply  bending  a branch 
into  the  soil,  leaving  its  point  above  ground,  is  sufficient  to  ensure  the  success  of 
the  operation  ; but  in  cases  of  difficulty  other  expedients  are  resorted  to,  all  which 
will  still  be  found  to  have  reference  to  the  emission  of  roots  by  buds.  One  com- 
mon practice  is,  to  head  down  the  branch  that  is  laid  into  the  earth;  this  is  to 
call  into  action  the  buds  below  the  incision,  by  sto[)|)ing  the  general  axis  of  deve- 
lopment. Another  method  is  to  tongue  the  layer,  that  is,  to  split  the  stem  ju.st  up 
to  the  origin  of  a bud  ; a practice  that  has  the  effect  of  enabling  the  roots  to  be 
emitted  into  the  soil  through  the  wound  more  readily  than  if  they  had  to  })ierce 
through  the  bark  ; the  resistance  offered  to  their  passage  through  the  bark  is  in 
many  cases  so  great  as  to  compel  them  to  continue  to  make  wood  rather  than  to 
appear  in  the  form  that  is  necessary  for  the  success  of  the  cultivator. 

Budding  are  o[)erations  that  equally  depend  for  their  success 

upon  the  j)roperty  that  buds  possess  of  shooting  roots  downwards  and  stems  up- 
wards; but  in  these  practices  the  roots  strike  between  the  bark  and  wood  of  the 
stock,  instead  of  intothe  earth,  and  form  new  layers  of  wood  instead  of  subterranean 
fibres.  The  success  of  such  practices,  however,  depends  upon  other  causes  than 
those  which  influence  the  growth  of  cuttings.  It  is  necessary  that  an  adhesion 
should  take  j)Iace  between  the  scion  and  the  stock,  so  that  when  the  descending 
fibres  of  the  buds  shall  have  fixed  themselves  upon  the  wood  of  the  stock,  they 
may  not  be  liable  to  subsequent  separation.  No  one  can  have  studied  the 
economy  of  the  vegetable  kingdom  without  having  remarked  that  there  is  a strong 
tendency  to  cohesion  in  bodies  or  parts  that  arc  ])laced  in  contact  with  each  other. 
Two  stems  are  tied  together  for  some  purpose:  when  the  ligature  is  removed, 
they  are  found  to  have  grown  into  one  : two  Cucumbers  accidentally  ])laced  side 
by  side,  or  two  A[)plcs  growing  in  contact  with  each  other,  form  double  Cucum- 
bers or  double  Apples;  and  most  of  the  normal  modifications  of  the  leaves,  floral 
envelopes,  or  fertilizing  organs,  arc  due  to  various  degrees  of  cohesion  incontigu- 


XIV 


PREFACE. 


ous  parts.  This  cohesion  will  be  always  found  to  take  place  in  the  cellular 
tissue  only,  and  never  in  the  vascular  tissue.  In  the  stems  of  all  such  trees  as 
are  grafted  by  orchardists,  the  cellular  tissue  is  found  alive  only  in  the  medullary 
rays  and  the  liber;  it  is  therefore  essential,  in  the  first  place,  that  those  parts, 
both  in  the  stock  and  the  scion,  should  be  placed  in  contact.  In  regard  to  the 
medullary  rays,  these  are  so  numerous  and  so  closely  placed,  that  it  is  scarcely 
possible  that  a portion  of  one  stem  should  be  applied  to  another  without  the 
medullary  rays  of  both  touching  each  other  at  many  points.  No  care,  therefore, 
is  required  to  ensure  this,  which  may  be  safely  left  to  chance.  But  in  regard  to 
the  liber,  as  this  is  confined  to  a narrow  strip  in  both  stock  and  scion,  great  care 
must  be  taken  that  they  are  both  placed  as  exactly  in  contact  with  each  other 
as  possible,  so  that  the  line  of  separation  of  the  wood  and  bark  should,  in  both 
stock  and  scion,  be  accurately  adjusted.  The  success  of  grafting  depends  very 
much  upon  attention  to  this.  But  there  are  other  reasons  why  this  accuracy 
in  adjusting  the  line  between  the  bark  and  wood  of  the  stock  and  scion  is  so 
important.  It  is  at  that  part  that  the  roots  of  the  latter  pass  downwards  over  the 
former;  and  it  is  also  there  that  the  substance  called  cambium,  which  serves  as 
food  for  the  young  descending  fibres,  is  secreted.  It  is  obvious,  that  t^e  more 
accurate  the  adjustment  of  the  line  separating  the  wood  from  the  bark,  the  more 
ready  will  be  the  transmission  of  young  fibres  from  the  one  to  the  other;  and 
that  the  less  the  accuracy  that  may  be  observed  in  this  respect,  the  greater  the 
difficulty  of  such  transmission  will  be.  Provided  the  stock  and  scion  be  of 
exactly  the  same  size,  the  adjustment  can  scarcely  fail  to  be  accurate  in  the  most 
unskilful  hands;  it  is  in  the  more  common  case  of  the  scion  being  much  smaller 
than  the  stock,  that  this  is  to  be  most  particularly  attended  to. 

“ Budding  differs  from  grafting  in  this,  that  a portion  of  a stem  is  not  made 
to  strike  root  on  another  stem,  but  that,  on  the  contrary,  a bud  deprived  of  all 
trace  of  the  woody  part  of  a stem  is  introduced  beneath  the  bark  of  the  stock, 
and  there  induced  to  strike  root.  In  this  operation  no  care  is  requisite  in  secur- 
ing the  exact  contact  of  similar  parts,  and  a free  channel  for  the  transmission  of 
the  roots  of  the  bud  between  the  bark  and  wood  of  the  stock ; for,  from  the  very 
nature  of  the  operation  of  budding,  this  must  of  necessity  be  ensured.  The  bark 
of  the  bud  readily  coheres  with  the  wood  of  the  stock,  and  secures  the  bud  itself 
against  all  accident  or  injury.  But  if  precautions  of  the  same  nature  as  in  graft- 
ing are  not  requisite  in  budding,  others  are  of  no  less  moment.  It  is  indis- 
pensable that  the  bud  which  is  employed  should  be  fully  formed,  or  what  gar- 
deners call  ripe;  if  it  is  imperfectly  formed,  or  unripe,  it  may  not  be  capable  of 
that  subsequent  elongation  upwards  and  downwards  upon  which  the  whole 
success  of  the  practice  depends.  Secondly,  great  care  should  be  taken,  in  raising 
the  bark  of  the  stock  for  the  insertion  of  the  bud,  that  the  cambium  be  not  dis- 
turbed or  injured.  The  cambium  is  a secretion  between  the  wood  and  bark,  not 
only  destined  to  support  the  descending  fibres  of  the  buds,  but  also  to  generate 
the  new  cellular  substance  within  which  the  descending  fibres  are  finally  found 
imbedded.  If,  in  the  preparation  of  the  bark  for  receiving  the  bud,  this  cambium 
be  injured  or  disturbed,  it  becomes  much  less  capable  of  effecting  the  cohesion 
that  is  necessary,  than  if  uninjured.  In  budding,  therefore,  the  Wk  should  be 
carefully  lifted  up,  and  not  forced  from  the  wood  with  a bone  or  metal  blade,  as 
is  usually  the  case ; for  although  it  is  no  doubt  true,  that  an  operation  clumsily 
performed  will  often  succeed,  yet  it  should  be  remembered,  that  if  skilfully  man- 
aged, it  would  be  attended  with  much  more  perfect  success;  and  that  a habit  of 
constantly  operating  with  delicacy  will  enable  a gardener  to  succeed  with  cer- 
tainty in  cases  in  which  a bungling  practitioner  would  be  sure  to  fail.  Little  do 
those  who  crush  with  rude  hands  the  tender  limbs  of  plants,  reflect  how  delicate 
is  that  organization  upon  which  the  life  of  their  victim  is  dependent. 

“ Transplanting  is,  perhaps,  that  operation  in  which  the  greatest  difficulty  is 
generally  found  to  exist,  and  in  which  the  causes  of  success  or  failure  are  often 
the  least  understood.  Volumes  have  been  written  upon  the  subject,  and  the 
whole  range  of  vegetable  physiology  has  been  called  in  aid  of  the  explanation  of 
the  theory  ; yet  I am  much  mistaken  if  it  cannot  be  proved  to  depend  exclusively 
upon  the  two  following  circumstances  : 1.  The  preservation  of  the  spongioles  of 
the  roots  ; and,  2.  The  prevention  of  excessive  evaporation. 

“ It  is  well  known  that  plants  feed  upon  fluid  contained  in  the  soil,  and  that 
their  roots  are  the  mouths  through  which  the  food  is  conveyed  into  their  body. 


PREFACE. 


XV 


But  the  absorption  of  fluid  does  not  take  place  either  by  all  the  surface  of  their 
roots,  nor  even  of  their  fibres,  but  only  by  the  extremities  of  the  latter,  consisting 
of  bundles  of  vessels  surrounded  by  cellular  tissue  in  a very  lax  spongy  state, 
whence  those  extremities  are  called  spongioles.  That  it  is  only  through  the 
spongioles  that  absorption  to  any  amount  takes  place,  is  easily  shown  by  grow- 
ing a plant  in  water,  and  alternately  preventing  the  action  of  the  spongioles, 
when  languor  and  a cessation  of  vital  action  comes  on,  and  preventing  the  action 
of  the  general  surface  of  the  roots,  leaving  the  spongioles  at  liberty,  when  the 
♦ital  energies  are  immediately  renewed.  These  spongioles  are  exceedingly 
delicate  in  their  organization,  and  a very  slight  degree  of  violence  destroys  them. 
It  is  scarcely  possible  to  remove  the  soil  from  the  roots  without  injuring  them  in 
some  degree,  and  if  transplantation  is  effected  violently  or  carelessly,  they  are  in 
a great  measure  destroyed.  In  proportion  to  the  size  or  age  of  a tree,  is  the 
difficulty  of  preserving  them  increased  ; and  hence  at  the  same  time  the  difficulty 
of  transplantation  is  augmented.  If,  by  any  method,  the  spongioles  could  be 
preserved  unharmed,  there  would  be  no  reason  whatever  why  the  largest  forest 
tree  should  not  be  removed  as  easily  as  the  young  plants  in  a nursery ; but  their 
preservation  in  such  cases  is  impossible,  and  therefore  the  transplantation  of 
trees  of  great  magnitude  cannot  be  effected.  It  is  because  of  the  security  of  the 
spongioles  from  injury  when  the  earth  is  undisturbed,  that  plants  reared  in  pots 
are  transplanted  with  so  much  more  success  than  if  taken  immediately  from  the 
soil.  Hence,  also,  when  earth  is  frozen  into  a huge  ball  around  the  root  of  a 
plant,  transplantation  is  effected  with  the  same  kind  of  certainty.  The  practice 
of  cutting  the  roots  of  large  trees  the  year  previous  to  removing  them  is  attended 
with  success  for  a similar  reason.  Wherever  the  roots  are  cut  through,  the  new 
fibres  which  are  emitted,  provided  a plant  is  in  health,  in  short  tufts,  and  each 
terminated  by  a spongiole,  are  much  more  easily  taken  out  of  the  ground  without 
injury  than  if  they  were  longer  and  more  scattered  among  the  soil.  When 
destroyed,  the  spongioles  are  often  speedily  replaced,  particularly  in  orchard 
trees,  provided  a slight  degree  of  growth  continues  to  be  maintained.  This  is 
one  of  the  reasons  why  trees  removed  in  October  succeed  better  than  if  trans- 
planted at  any  other  time.  The  growth  of  a tree  at  that  season  is  not  quite 
over ; and  the  first  impulse  of  nature,  when  the  tree  finds  itself  in  a new  situa- 
tion, is  to  create  new  mouths  by  which  to  feed  when  the  season  for  growing 
again  returns. 

“ Evaporation  takes  place  in  plants  to  an  inconceivable  degree  in  certain  cir- 
cumstances. It  is  known  by  the  experiments  of  Dr.  Hales,  that  a sunflower 
plant  will  lose  as  much  as  1 lb.  14oz.  by  perspiration  in  twelve  hours;  and  that 
in  general,  “ in  equal  surfaces  and  equal  times,  a man  would  perspire  the 
plant  or  as  50  : 15;”  and  that  taking  all  things  into  account,  a sunflower 
perspires  17  times  more  than  a man.  The  same  most  accurate  observer  found 
that  a cabbage  perspired  in  twelve  hours  1 lb.  9oz. ; a Paradise  Stock  in  a pot 
1 loz. ; and  a Lemon  Plant,  8oz.  Guettard  states  that  he  found  Cornus  Mascula 
perspire  twice  its  own  weight  in  a day;  and  Mr.  Knight  has  remarked  a Vine 
in  a hot  day  losing  moisture  with  such  rapidity  that  a glass  placed  under  one  of 
its  leaves  was  speedily  covered  with  dew,  and  in  half  an  hour  the  perspiration 
was  running  off  the  glass.  In  damp  or  wet  weather  this  evaporation  is  least; 
in  hot  dry  weather  it  is  greatest.  This  loss  has  all  to  be  supplied  by  the  moisture 
introduced  into  the  system  by  the  spongioles  ; and  hence,  if  the  spongioles  are 
destroyed,  and  evaporation  takes  place  before  they  can  be  replaced,  a plant  must 
necessarily  die.  This  is  the  reason  why  deciduous  trees  cannot  be  transplanted 
when  in  leaf;  it  is  impossible  to  remove  them  without  injuring  their  spongioles, 
and  it  is  equally  impossible  to  hinder  the  evaporation  by  their  leaves : but  if 
they  are  kept  in  pots,  it  matters  not  at  what  season  their  removal  takes  place, 
because  as  their  spongioles  are  then  uninjured,  even  excessive  evaporation  would 
be  made  good  by  their  action.  It  it  is  well  known  that  certain  evergreens,  such 
as  Hollies,  Laurels,  &c.  can  be  transplanted  in  almost  all  months ; this  arises 
from  their  perspiration  being  being  much  less  copious  than  in  diciduous  trees, 
wherefore  the  spongioles  have  less  difficulty  in  supplying  the  loss  occasioned  by 
it ; yet  even  evergreens  cannot  be  removed  in  the  hottest  months  in  the  year, 
because  then  the  action  of  such  spongioles  as  may  bo  saved  in  the  operation 
would  not  be  sufficient  to  sujiply  the  waste  by  evaporation.  Plants  first  begin- 


XVI 


PREFACE. 


ning  to  grow  in  the  spring,  with  their  leaves  just  turning  green,  are  in  a most 
unfit  state  to  remove ; for,  when  transplanted,  their  roots  will  not  have  time  to 
form  a sufficient  number  of  new  spongioles  to  supply  the  loss  to  which  the  rapid 
perspiration  by  the  leaves  at  that  season  will  give  rise.  It  is  upon  this  same 
principle,  that  if  deciduous  plants  are  taken  from  the  ground  in  the  summer, 
they  are  put  into  pots  and  placed  in  a hot-bed  to  recover ; not  for  the  sake  of  the 
heat,  but  because  the  atmosphere  of  a hot-bed  is  so  charged  with  humidity  that 
perspiration  cannot  go  on,  so  that  the  vital  energies  of  the  plant,  instead  of  being 
wasted  by  evaporation,  are  directed  to  the  formation  of  new  mouths  by  which 
to  feed. 

“ This  is  but  a brief  outline  of  what  the  principles  are  upon  which  the  common 
operations  of  the  Fruit  Garden  depend  ; yet  it  is  hoped  that  it  may  not  be  with- 
out its  use  in  calling  attention  to  the  rationalia  of  what  may  seem  extremely 
simple  and  well  understood  practices,  but  which  are  undoubtedly  neither  so  per- 
fect, nor  generally  so  skilfully  performed,  as  to  be  incapable  of  amendment.” 


ABBREVIATION 

.OF  ADDITION AL  AUTHORITIES  QUOTED  IN  PART  II. 

Pursk.  Pursh  Flora  Americffi  Septentrionalia. 

Knight  in  Hort.  Trans.  Knight  in  Transactions  of  the  London  Horticultural  Society. 
Poit.  A Poiteau. 

Lang.  Langley  Pomona. 

Lind.  Lindley,  Guide  to  the  Orchard  and  Kitchen  Garden.  -f 

Mass.  Hort.  Massachusetts  Horticultural  Society,  , 

Mil.  Gard  Die.  Miller’s  Gardener’s  Dictionary. 

May.  Pom.  Fran.  Mayer  Pomona  Franconica. 

Pr.  Cat.  26  ed.  Wm.  Prince  and  Sons’  Catalogue,  26th  edition. 

Thatcher.  Thatcher’s  American  Orchardist. 

Sickler.  Sickler  Der  Teutsche  Obslagartner. 

Kraft.  Pom.  Amt.  Kraft  Pomona  Austriaca.  ^ 

Bigelow.  Bigelow  Florula  Bostonieusis. 

Decand  Decandolle. 

Loud.  Hort.  Brit.  Loudon’s  Horlus  Britannicus. 

Le  Berr.  Le  Berrier  Traite  des  Jardins. 

Law.  Lawrence  Agriculture  and  Gardening. 

Mickaux.  Flora  Boreali  Americana. 

Desf.  Desfontaines. 

JV'ttt.  Nuttall  Genera  of  Americ.an  Plants. 

Loud.  Gard.  Mag.  Loudon’s  Gardener’s  Magazine. 

Hort.  Gard.  Col.  Collection  of  Trees  in  the  Garden  of  the  London  Hoticultural  Society. 
Pom.  Hcrcf.  Pomona  Herefotdiensis. 


POMOLOGICAL  MANUAL. 


PEACHES; 

[Continued.] 

EARLY  NEWINGTON,— Pr.  cat.  Mil.  For.  Coxe. 

Smith’s  early  Newington. 

Smith’s  Newington.  Loud.  Hort.  cat. 

Early,  or  Smith’s  Newington.  Mil. 

New-  York  Early  Newington.  Coxe. 

Miller  and  Forsyth  quote  the  “ Pavie  hlanc”  of  Duha^ 
mel,  which  is  the  Magdalen  clingstone  of  the  present  work, 
as  a synonyme  of  this  variety  ; the  justice  of  which  appli- 
cation I have  not  sufficiently  tested  to  enable  me  to  affirm  of 
contradict.  This  is  one  of  the  best  early  clingstones.  The 
form  is  round  ; the  size  medium ; the  colour  a fine  red  next 
the  sun,  and  white  on  the  other  side  ; the  flesh  is  w'hite,  with 
some  red  next  the  stone  ; firm,  rich,  very  juicy  and  vinous 
when  at  perfect  maturity,  and  like  other  clingstone  varieties, 
it  should  be  allowed  to  become  fully  ripe,  for  otherwise  it  is 
impossible  to  form  a just  estimate  of  the  fruits  of  this  class. 

The  tree  is  productive,  and  the  fruit  matures  in  August.’ 
The  “ New-York  Early  Newington”  of  Coxe,  is  probably 
synonymous  with  the  kind  I have  just  described.  The  French 
Pavie  Newington  has  large  flowers : I have  not  yet  seen  ripe 
fruit  of  it. 

OLD  NEWINGTON.  Pr.  cat.  Mil.  Lond.  hort.  cat. 

Lang.  For. 

Large  Newington.  Coxe. 

This  is  a large  and  exceedingly  fine  clingstone,  of  a round 
form  ; the  skin  is  whitish  on  one  side,  and  red  on  the  other  ; 
the  colour  of  the  flesh  is  a yellowish  white,  except  at  the  stone, 
where  it  is  deep  red.  In  quality  it  is  melting,  juicy,  exceed- 

VOL.  II.  2 


10 


PEACHES. 


ingly  rich,  vinous  and  high  flavoured.  The  tree  is  very  pro- 
ductive, and  is  extensively  planted  for  supplying  the  markets 
with  the  fruit,  which  ripens  about  the  tenth  of  September  ; the 
flowers  are  of  small  size. 

LARGE  EARLY  MIGNONNE.  Pr.  cat. 

Grosse  Misnonne  hative,  ) ^ u ur  .• 

71, r-  ^ ’ > of  Trench  publications. 

Mignonne  native^  ^ 

This  is  a variety  of  the  Grosse  Mignonne,  with  fruit  of 
smaller  size,  and  ripening  at  an  earlier  period.  It  has  fre- 
quently a mamelon  at  the  extremity  of  the  fruit,  and  it  partakes 
in  its  good  qualities  of  the  character  of  its  class.  The  flowers 
are  large,  and  the  leaves  are  attended  with  globular  glands. 
Its  period  of  maturity  is  the  beginning  of  August. 

MIGNONNE  FRIZEE.  Bon.  Jard. 

Frizzled  Mignonne.  Auth. 

The  principal  trait  which  distinguishes  this  variety,  is  found 
in  the  formation  of  its  flowers  ; which  are  so  curled  and  friz- 
zled, that  when  the  tree  is  in  bloom,  it  is  difficult  at  a distance 
to  recognize  it  as  a peach  tree.  The  flowers  are  of  the  larger 
class,  and  the  leaves  are  attended  with  globular  glands.  The 
fruit  ripens  at  the  end  of  August. 

DOUBLE  FLOWERING.  Pr.  cat. 

Double  blossomed.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

jRose  peach. 

Packer  djleur  semidouble.  Duh. 

Packer  djleur s doubles.  Bon  Jard. 

Nain  d jieurs  doubles.  Bon  Jard. 

This  is  a tree  of  beautiful  appearance  when  in  flower,  yet 
it  yields  but  few  fruit ; the  blossoms  are  large,  fifteen  to  six- 
teen lines  in  diameter,  composed  of  fifteen  to  thirty  petals  of 
a lively  rose  colour,  with  more  or  less  stamens,  according  to 
the  multiplicity  of  the  petals,  and  with  from  one  to  four  styles. 
These  flowers  are  produced  in  such  abundance,  as  to  give  to 
the  tree  the  appearance  of  being  clad  with  roses. 

The  leaves  are  dark  green,  very  finely  indented,  and  ter- 


PEACHES. 


11 


minate  in  a very  acute  point ; the  peaches  which  succeed  are, 
single,  double,  treble,  or  quadruple  ; the  two  latter  soon  fall, 
but  a portion  of  the  two  former  generally  attain  to  maturity. 
They  are  of  medium  size,  rather  oblong,  twenty-one  to  twenty- 
two  lines  in  diameter,  and  rather  more  in  length  ; they  are 
seldom  of  the  same  form,  some  have  a small  mamelon  at  the 
extremity,  others  have  none,  and  nearly  all  of  them  are  of 
larger  size  at  the  head,  than  next  to  the  peduncle.  The  skin 
is  velvety,  yellowish  green,  and  sometimes  of  a partial  fawn 
colour  next  the  sun  ; the  flesh  is  white,  and  the  juice  of  a 
rather  pleasant  taste. 

The  stone  is  an  inch  in  length,  and  eight  lines  in  breadth, 
terminating  by  a very  acute  point ; the  fruit  ripens  in  Sep- 
tember. This  tree  is  only  cultivated  for  ornament,  and  there 
are  few  others  which  impart  as  much  beauty  to  the  garden  at 
the  early  period  at  which  its  flowers  expand  themselves,  and 
these  continue  their  bloom  for  a much  longer  period  than 
other  peaches.  The  Bon  Jardinier  mentions  a dwarf  variety 
with  double  flowers,  which  I have  ascertained  only  exists  in 
imagination : the  one  I have  described  can,  however,  be  readily 
made  dwarf  by  inoculation  on  suitable  stocks. 

MONTAUBAN.  Pr.  cat.  Mil.  Lang.  For.  Lond.  hort.  cat. 

This  fruit  is  of  rounded  form,  and  medium  size,  with  a 
suture  at  one  side  ; it  is  dark  red  approaching  to  purple  next 
the  sun,  but  of  a yellowish  green  on  the  other  side  ; the  flesh 
is  white,  with  sometimes  a tinge  of  red  next  to  the  stone  ; it 
is  melting,  rich.  Juicy,  and  of  pleasant  flavour.  The  tree  is 
productive,  and  the  fruit,  which  is  a freestone,  ripens  in  the 
month  of  August. 

BELLE  BAUSSE.  Pr.  cat.  Lond.  hort.  cat. 

Belle  Bauce.  Bon  Jard. 

This  fruit  is  in  its  general  character  nearly  allied  to  the 
Grosse  Mignonne,  and  from  the  high  esteem  in  which  that 
variety  is  held,  this  fact  is  of  itself  sufficient  commendation. 
Its  quality  is  equally  good,  its  size  larger,  and  it  ripens  about 


12 


PEACHES. 


fifteen  days  later  than  tliat  variety,  its  period  of  maturity 
being  in  September.  It  is  also  considered  by  many  as  excel- 
ling it  in  beauty. 

FRENCH  WILLOW  LEAVED. 

Pecker  afeuilles  de  Saule,  Bon  Jard. 

This  tree  has  linear  leaves  resembling  those  of  the  willow  ; 
the  fruit  is  round,  of  medium  size,  a whitish  colour,  and  ripens 
in  October.  It  requires  a warm  exposure,  and  only  succeeds 
when  in  such  a situation,  or  in  a southern  climate. 

GOLD  AND  PURPLE.  Pr.  cat. 

Golden  purple. 

This  clingstone  variety  has  small  flowers  ; the  fruit  is  about 
the  size  of  the  Red  Rareripe,  which  it  resembles  in  shape  ; its 
flavour  is  agreeable,  though  not  equal  to  the  Carolina  cling- 
stone ; it  is  of  the  finest  gold  colour  on  one  side,  and  the 
deepest  crimson  on  the  other.  There  is  no  tree  more  produc- 
tive ; and  when  you  consider  at  one  view  the  beauty  of  the 
fruit,  and  the  immense  quantities  which  load  the  branches,  the 
appearance  is  truly  striking.  Its  period  of  ripening  here  is 
about  the  20th  of  August. 

VANDERVEER’S  OPTIMUM.  Pr.  cat. 

Rapelyea^s  peach. 

This  fine  clingstone  variety  is  a seedling  from  the  Old  New- 
ington, and  received  its  title  from  respect  to  Dr.  Vanderveer, 
an  intelligent  pomologisl  of  this  vicinity.  It  is  extensively 
cultivated  by  Mr.  Rapelyea  of  this  vicinity  for  supplying  the 
markets.  The  fruit  is  of  large  size,  and  Dr.  V.  remarks  that 
one  cheek  is  generally  larger  than  the  other.  Its  colour  is  a 
pale  whitish  yellow^  wdth  russet  spots,  with  a red  cheek  next 
the  sun  ; the  flesh  is  very  delicate,  sw^eet,  and  juicy.  The 
period  of  maturity  is  about  a week  later  than  that  of  its  pa- 
rent, which  is  so  well  known  as  one  of  our  greatest  favourites ; 
the  leaves  are  quite  large,  and  the  tree  is  of  vigorous  growth, 
and  very  productive. 


PEACHES. 


13 


PERSIQUE.  Pr.  cat.  Mil.  Duh.  Jard.  fruit.  For. 

CoxE.  Lond.  hort.  cat. 

Perseque.  Gros  Perstque.  Pers^que  Collonge.  Bon  Jard.  ? 

The  flowers  of  this  tree  are  small  and  pale  red  ; the  fruit 
is  of  fine  size,  of  rather  greater  height  than  breadth,  irregu- 
larly rounded,  being  somewhat  angular,  or  attended  with 
swellings,  and  scattered  over  with  small  protuberances ; of 
which  one  at  the  base  by  the  side  of  the  peduncle  is  the  most 
remarkable,  and  resembles  an  excrescence.  The  skin  is  vel- 
vety, much  tinged  with  red  next  the  sun  ; the  flesh  is  white, 
but  light  red  next  the  stone,  rather  firm  before  its  full  maturity, 
but  at  that  period  somewhat  melting  and  replete  with  juice, 
which  is  of  a rich  and  agreeable  taste,  sometimes  accompanied 
by  a slight  degree  of  acidity.  The  stone  is  large,  considera- 
bly flattened,  and  terminated  by  a long  point.  This  peach  is 
a very  good  one,  and  also  one  of  the  latest,  not  ripening  at 
Paris  until  the  end  of  October  ; the  tree  is  exceedingly  fruit- 
ful, and  said  to  be  capable  of  reproduction  from  the  seed 
without  degenerating.  The  fruit,  before  fully  ripe,  may  be 
transported  to  some  distance,  and  is  suitable  to  cultivate  for 
the  market;  it  is  also  one  of  the  best  of  its  season,  ripening 
here  about  the  last  of  September,  or  early  in  October.  It 
is  somewhat  singular  that  it  should  be  placed  in  the  New 
Duhamel  under  the  head  offreesione  varieties,  and  in  the  Bon 
.Tardinier  under  that  of  clingstones, 

PA  VIE  DE  PAMIERS.  Duh.  Pr.  cat. 

PalmePs  clingstone.  Per  sec,  or  Persego,  of  Languedoc. 

Tliis  tree  produces  small  flowers,  of  a lively  and  ratlier 
dark  red  hue  ; the  fruit  is  large,  being  often  eight  inches  in 
circumference  ; the  skin,  which  adheres  closely  to  the  flesh,  is 
covered  with  a fine  down,  tinged  with  a fine  red  colour  next 
to  the  sun  ; the  flesh  is  white,  except  around  the  stone,  where 
it  is  a very  dark  red  ; and  although  firm,  it  is  nevertheless 
very  melting,  with  a profusion  of  sweet  juice.  This  peach 
becomes  mature  in  the  south  of  France  early  in  August;  it 


14 


PEACHES^ 


is  widely  disseminated  in  Languedoc,  where  it  is  called  by 
the  last  two  synonymes  above  quoted,  and  where  it  has  be- 
come so  naturalized  that  the  inhabitants  generally  propagate 
it  from  the  stones  ; w'hich  produce,  without  inoculation,  very 
excellent  and  beautiful  fruit.  This  variety  was  introduced  to 
our  country  the  present  year  for  the  first  time,  by  the  author 
of  this  work,  and  is  already  in  a course  of  propagation.  In 
this  latitude  it  will  not  probably  mature  its  fruit  until  September. 

RED  RARERIPE.  Pb.  cat.  Coxe.  Load.  hort.  cat. 

Morrises  red  Rareripe^  of  numerous  catalogues. 

Monsieur  Jean,  of  Coxe  ? 

This  variety  is  supposed  to  have  been  brought  to  Flush- 
ing by  the  French,  at  the  first  settlement  of  the  place.  It 
is  one  of  the  finest  early  peaches,  and  succeeds  the  Nut- 
meg varieties,  its  period  of  ripening  being  about  the  tenth 
to  the  fifteenth  of  August.  It  is  of  large  size,  and  round 
form  ; its  colour  is  bright  red  next  the  sun,  whitish  and  par- 
tially marbled  on  the  other  parts,  presenting  when  ripe  a 
beautiful  appearance  ; the  flesh  is  very  sw^eet,  delicate,  rich, 
melting,  and  exceedingly  juicy,  and  separates  with  much 
facility  from  the  stone.  It  is  the  first  peach  which  is  met  wdth 
in  abundance  in  our  markets,  as  the  persons  engaged  in  rais- 
ing fruit  for  that  object,  seem  to  have  almost  totally  neglected 
the  Nutmegs,  and  the  fine  Early  Yellow  Rareripe,  although 
they  would  doubtless  derive  great  advantage  from  their  cul- 
ture. It  seems  probable  that  the  Monsieur  Jean  may  be 
synonymous  wdth  the  one  here  described. 

YELLOW  RARERIPE.  Pr.  cat.  Loxd.  hort.  cat. 

Alberge,  or  Yelloio  Rareripe,  Maria  Antoinette, 

This  is  an  early  variety,  being  one  of  those  that  follow  next 
after  the  Nutmegs.  It  is  of  a rather  oval  form  ; the  skin  is 
for  the  most  part  of  a fine  yellow^  colour,  but  has  a red  cheek, 
and  is  also  somewhat  mottled  on  the  sunny  side  ; the  flesh  is 
yellow,  melting,  sweet,  juicy,  and  very  luscious,  and  parts 
freely  from  the  stone.  This  may  be  justly  considered  one  of 
the  finest  and  most  valuable  peaches,  and  has  a great  affinity 


PEACHES. 


15 


to  the  Yellow  Melocoton,  but  is  considerably  earlier.  I dis- 
covered the  original  seedling  tree,  when  a schoolboy,  growing 
in  a field  about  two  miles  from  the  village  of  Flushing.  And 
what  is  somewhat  singular,  the  exceedingly  valuable  seedling 
apple  which  I have  named  the  Sinequanon,  I found  growing 
in  the  same  enclosure.  This  peach  has  been  renamed  in  some 
gardens  the  Maria  Antoinette ; and  I have  noticed  that  in  one 
catalogue,  this  name  has  caused  further  error,  it  having  been 
there  noted  as  a French  variety.  The  tree  bears  abundantly. 

GREEN  WINTER.  Pr.  cat. 

This  is  a round  clingstone  of  small  size,  suitable  for  pre- 
serves ; the  flowers  are  of  large  size.  In  the  month  of  Octo- 
ber it  is  at  maturity  ; the  skin  is  perfectly  green,  and  the  fruit 
generally  fair,  and  one  and  a quarter  to  one  and  a half  inches 
in  diameter ; the  flesh  is  very  firm,  and  adheres  closely  to  the 
stone.  It  is  not  valuable  as  a table  fruit,  but  makes  beautiful 
preserves,  which  retain  their  green  colour  perfectly.  It  is 
usually  the  latest  fruit  of  the  peach  kind  to  be  met  with  in  the 
markets. 

ORANGE  CLINGSTONE.  Pr.  cat. 

This  is  a perfectly  round  fruit,  whose  skin  is  of  a beautiful 
orange  colour.  The  flesh  is  of  the  same  colour,  and  of  a 
pleasant  aromatic  flavour  ; the  flowers  are  of  large  size.  The 
tree  is  productive,  the  fruit  bears  transportation  well,  and 
ripens  in  the  month  of  August. 

VAN  ZANDT’S  SUPERB.  Pr.  cat. 

Waxen  Rareripe. 

This  is  a delicious  freestone,  which  originated  in  the  garden 
of  Benson  Van  Zandt,  Esq.  of  Flushing.  The  form  inclines 
to  an  oval  ; the  flesh  is  melting,  juicy,  and  of  fine  flavour  ; 
but  its  greatest  peculiarity  is  in  the  colour  of  its  skin,  which 
is  considerably  mottled,  and  of  a most  beautiful  waxen  appear- 
ance. In  point  of  beauty  in  this  respect,  there  is  perhaps  no 
peach  that  surpasses  it.  Two  seedling  trees  growing  near 
each  other  in  the  same  garden,  produce  identically  the  same 
fruit.  The  flowers  are  of  small  size. 


16 


PEACHES. 


PRINCE’S  RED  RARERIPE.  Pk.  cat. 

This  is  a seedling  from  the  common  Red  Rareripe,  father 
larger  than  it  in  size,  and  resembling  it  in  colour;  the  tlesh 
is  melting,  rich,  and  juicy.  The  tree  is  very  productive;  the 
fruit  is  a freestone,  ripens  in  August,  and  is  well  calculated  for 
supplying  the  markets. 

ALGIERS’  YELLOW.  Pr.  cat. 

Algiers^  yellow  winter  clingstone.  Yellow  October  clingstone: 

I first  obtained  the  present  variety  in  1801,  from  an  amateur 
in  Philadelphia;  Tliis  peach,  even  at  the  end  of  September,  is 
greenish,  and  of  very  indifferent  appearance;  but  in  the  course 
of  the  month  of  October  it  swells  and  becomes  a handsome 
round  fruit,  of  medium  size,  and  of  a beautiful  yellow  colour. 
I have  often  found  them  in  this  state  so  late  in  the  season  that 
nearly  all  the  leaves  had  fallen,  and  the  remaining  ones  were 
so  yellow  as  to  resemble  the  fruit  in  colour.  It  is  not  a supe- 
rior fruit,  but  of  good  quality  and  pleasant  flavour  for  one  that 
ripens  at  so  late  a period ; the  flesh  strongly  adheres  to  the 
stone.  The  tree  is  not  a good  bearer,  and  the  flowers  are  of 
a large  size.  This  variety  was  also  imported  from  England,- 
many  years  since,  under  a difierent  and  erroneous  title.  I do 
not  perceive  any  peach  so  named  in  the  Catalogue  of  the 
London  Horticultural  Society.  It  appears  to  be  allied  to  the 
class  called  Alberge  by  the  French. 

TEINDOUX.  Pr.  cat.  Duh.  Load.  hort.  cat. 

Tcint  Doux.  | Tein  Don.  For. 

The  leaves  of  this  tree  are  attended  at  their  base  with" 
rounded  glands,  and  its  flowers,  which  are  of  medium  size, 
are  eleven  or  twelve  lines  in  breadth.  The  fruit  is  twenty-six 
lines  in  diameter,  and  twenty-four  in  height,  and  divided  into 
two  sections,  somewhat  unequal,  by  a suture  which  is  nearly 
of  the  same  extent  upon  both  sides  ; there  are  commonly  at 
the  extremity  two  small  cavities,  in  the  middle  of  w’hich  rises 
a small  elevation  in  the  form  of  a mamelon.  The  skin  is 
slightly  coloured  next  to  the  sun,  and  detaches  readily  from 


PEACHES. 


17 


the  flesh,  which  is  white  and  melting,  with  highly  pleasant 
sweet  juice.  The  stone  is  oblong,  seventeen  lines  in  length, 
and  rather  less  than  twelve  in  breadth  ; it  appears  more  flat- 
tened at  its  smallest  diameter  than  is  generally  the  case  with 
others,  being  only  eight  lines  in  thickness  at  its  largest  sec- 
tion. The  fruit  is  at  maturity  the  end  of  September. 

DIANA.  Pr.  cat.  Coxe. 

This  is  a freestone  fruit  of  medium  size,  and  excellent 
flavour ; the  flesh  melting  and  juicy.  Its  colour  is  whitish, 
approaching  to  straw  colour  at  its  maturity,  which  takes  place 
in  August.  The  flowers  are  of  the  medium  size. 

KENNEDY’S  CAROLINA.  Pr.  cat.*  Lond.  hort.  cat. 

Large  yellow  Pine-apple.  Coxe. 

Kennedy's  Carolina  Clingstone. 

Early  Lemon.  Yellow  Pine-apple. 

This  is  unquestionably  one  of  the  finest  clingstone  varieties 
known,  both  as  regards  size  and  qualit}^  It  belongs  to  the 
largest  class  of  peaches ; is  of  an  oval  or  oblong  shape, 
pointed  at  the  extremity,  and  terminating  in  a mamelon  ; the 
skin  is  deep  yellow,  except  next  the  sun,  where  it  has  a dark 
crimson  cheek ; the  flesh  is  of  a fine  yellow  colour,  rich, 
sprightly,  and  high-flavoured,  with  a degree  of  acidity  ; it 
closely  adheres  to  the  stone,  and  immediately  around  it  is 
tinged  with  deep  red.  The  tree  is  one  of  the  most  productive, 
yielding  large  and  regular  crops,  so  much  so  as  to  be  often 
overloaded,  in  which  case  it  is  preferable  to  thin  out  the  fruit, 
and  to  leave  only  a reasonable  proportion.  It  ripens  about 
the  middle  of  September.  This  variety  was  brought  from 
South  Carolina,  before  the  revolution,  by  a Mr.  Kennedy,  of 
New-York,  who^  on  account  of  its  excellence,  sent  a message 
to  the  grandfather  of  the  author,  knowing  him  to  be  very 
curious  in  fruits,  and  requested  him  to  call  and  obtain  scions 
from  it. 

SPRING  GROVE.  Pom.  Mag.  Loxd.  jiort.  cat. 

The  description  of  tliis  new  variety  I quote  from  the  Ponio- 
logical  Magazine.  It  was  raised  by  Mr.  Knight,  from  Neil’s 

VOL.  II.  3 


IS 


PEACHES. 


Early  Purple  and  the  pollen  of  the  Red  Nutmeg,  the  former 
having  crenated  leaves,  with  globose  glands  and  Igirge  flowers; 
and  the  latter  having  crenated  leaves  with  reniform  glands 
and  large  flowers  ; in  these  respects  this  agrees  with  its  female 
parent.  It  ripens  about  the  end  of  August,  and  differs  from 
the  Grosse  Mignonne,  and  Neil’s  Early  Purple,  in  being 
much  rounder  than  they  are.  A very  good  variety ; its 
fruit  not  quite  so  large  as  that  of  some  others,  but  remarkably 
handsome  and  well  flavoured  ; flowers  pale  blush,  the  centre 
purplish  red ; fruit  middle-sized,  globular,  broadest  at  the  base, 
with  a shallow  suture  ; bright  crimson  on  the  sunny  side, 
greenish  yellow  on  the  other  ;*  flesh  whitish  to  the  stone,  from 
which  it  parts  freely,  very  juicy,  rich,  and  high-flavoured. 


DWARF  ORLEANS.  Pr.  cat. 

Dwarf  Peach.  Pot  Peach. 

Pecher  nain.  Duh.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

Nain  Orleans. 

This  tree  attains  only  to  two  or  three  feet  in  height ; its 
flowers  are  of  a delicate  rose-colour,  and  fourteen  to  fifteen  lines 
in  diameter ; they  are  formed  in  rows  around  the  branches,  and 
so  closely  set,  that  when  expanded,  they  cover  the  limbs,  more 
than  forty  flowers  being  sometimes  counted  upon  a small 
branch  of  three  inches  long.  The  leaves  are  longer  than 
those  of  any  other  variety,  pendent,  and  much  indented,  espe- 
cially towards  their  base,  where  the  teeth  are  of  the  greatest 
depth.  The  fruit  is  of  medium  size,  and  disproportionate  to 
the  size  of  the  tree,  being  nearly  tw'o  inches  in  length,  and  as 
much  in  diameter ; it  is  divided  on  its  side  by  a rather  deep 
suture,  which  is  terminated  at  the  extremity  by  a remarkable 
cavity.  The  skin  is  usually  of  a greenish  hue,  never  coloured, 
unless  at  the  head,  which  is  slightly  tinged  with  red.  The 
flesh  is  melting,  but  the  juice  is  most  generally  bitter  and  of  a 
disagreeable  flavour  ; the  stone  is  whitish.  This  fruit  ripens 
in  October ; it  is  only  cultivated  as  a curiosity,  being  very 
suitable  to  plant  in  pots,  and  made  use  of  in  that  manner  as 


PEACHES. 


19 


an  ornament  to  the  dessert.  The  tree  is  more  tender  than 
other  varieties,  and  in  northern  climates  requires  to  be  covered 
with  a box,  or  to  have  some  other  slight  protection. 

WHITE  BLOSSOM.  Pr.  cat. 

Willow  peachy  White  stone* 

White-blossomed  Incomparable*  Lond.  Hort.  Cat. 

The  bark  of  this  tree,  when  the  leaves  have  fallen,  is  of  a 
pale  straw  colour,  which  gives  to  it  a very  peculiar  appearance  ; 
the  flowers  are  perfectly  white,  of  large  size,  and  quite  showy, 
so  that  it  is  altogether  dissimilar  to  others  at  the  period  of  its 
bloom  likewise.  The  fruit  is  perfectly  white,  of  an  oval  form, 
and  handsome  appearance ; the  flesh  is  also  white,  melting, 
juicy,  and  pleasant,  and  parts  freely  from  the  stone.  It  is 
much  used  for  preserves  when  not  over  ripe,  and  is  at  full 
maturity  in  September.  This  variety  originated  on  Long 
Island,  and  re-produces  from  the  stone  trees  similar  in  the 
appearance  of  the  wood,  but  varying  in  the  quality  of  the 
fruit  and  the  size  of  the  blossoms.  The  Snow-peach  is  a 
variety  with  smaller  flowers.  I have  put  down  as  a synonyme 
the  White-blossomed  Incomparable  of  the  London  Horticul- 
tural Society’s  Catalogue,  and  it  may  be  the  same  ; as  trees 
were  sent  to  England,  more  than  fifty  years  ago,  from  the 
nursery  at  Flushing,  and  possibly  they  may  have  possessed  the 
same  variety  in  England  anterior  to  its  production  here.  The 
original  tree  of  this  variety  was  discovered  in  a hedge  in 
King’s  county,  from  which  scions  were  obtained  by  the  grand- 
father of  the  author,  who  sent  a great  many  of  the  trees  to 
Europe  before  the  revolution. 

COLUMBIA.  Pr.  cat.  Coxe. 

The  form  of  this  fruit  is  somewhat  flat  or  compressed,  its 
diameter  being  greater  than  its  height ; it  has  also  a suture 
running  from  the  stem  to  the  extremity ; the  skin  is  thick  and 
rough,  of  a dingy  red  hue,  spotted  over  with  dark  reddish 
touches ; the  flesh  is  of  a bright  yellow  colour,  melting,  rich, 
and  Juicy,  the  grain  or  fibre  bearing  a simihirity  to  that  of  an 


PEACHES. 


20 

over-ripe  Pine-apple.  It  is  a freestone  variety  of  great  exceP 
lence,  and  ripens  about  the  first  of  September.  Mr.  Coxe 
remarks  that  this  peculiar  peach  was  produced  from  a stone 
brought  to  New- Jersey  from  Georgia,  and  that  he  gave  it  the 
name  by  which  it  is  distinguished. 

ROYAL  GEORGE  CLINGSTONE.  CoXe.  Pr.  cat. 

This  tree  produces  small  flowers ; the  fruit  is  very  hand- 
some, of  a pale  yellowish  white  colour,  tinged  with  red  on  the 
sunny  side ; it  is  of  large  size  and  oblong  form,  terminating 
with  a mamelon  at  the  extremity ; the  flesh  is  juicy,  and  of 
excellent  flavour.  The  fruit  is  at  maturity  in  August. 

YELLOW  PRESERVING.  Pr.  cat.  Coxe. 

This  tree  has  lai’ge  flowers ; the  fruit  is  a small  freestone, 
of  a greenish. yellow  hue;  the  flesh  wholly  of  a yellowish 
colour,  even  around  the  stone,  dry,  and  with  but  little  flavour. 
Its  period  of  maturity  is  in  September. 

. HILL’S  MADEIRA.  Pr.  cat,  Coxe. 

This  is  described  by  Mr.  Coxe  as  a very  large  Peach';'  but 
the  fruit  from  which  he  drew  his  description  was  probably 
produced  under  circumstances  peculiarly  favourable,  andT 
am  informed  by  Mr.  C.  R.  Smith  that  its  size  varies  exceed- 
ingly, and  in  proportion  to  the  advantages  of  situation.  I 
have  not  succeeded  in  having  large  fruit  on  my  trees ; but  it 
may  be  that  their  location  was  not  sufficiently  favourable. 
This  fruit  is  white,  with  a faint  tinge  of  red  next  the  sun ; the 
flesh  is  tender,  melting,  juicy,  and  high  flavoured ; it  ripens 
in  September.  Mr.  Coxe  remarks  that  the  tree  was  raised  by 
the  late  Henry  Hill,  Esq.  of  Philadelphia,  from  a stone  brought 
from  Madeira,  and  that  the  fruit  has  weighed  twelve  ounces. 

PECHE  DE  PAU.  Dun.  Pr.  cat. 

Pdche  de  peau,  ou  Italic. 

The  flowers  of  this  variety  are  small,' the- fruit  large,  round, 
and  terminating  by  a very  projecting  and  curved  mamelon. 
The  flesh  is  white,  slightly  approaching  a greenish  hue,  and 


PEACHES. 


•21 


becomes  melting  vv^hen  the  fruit  is*  at  perfect  maturity,  witli 
high-flavoured  and  pleasant  juice.  Duhamel  states  that  it  is 
very  late  in  ripening,  and  consequently  in  the  more  northern 
latitudes  it  does  not  come  to  perfection  except  in  seasons  when 
the  end  of  summer  and  the  autumn  are  dry  and  very  warm.  I 
obtained  this  variety  only -the  present  year,’  after  having  made 
repeated  eftbrts,  it  being  .very  rarely  to  be  met  with  even  in 
France.  From  the  description  given  by  Duhamel,  it  would 
appear  to  be  best  suited  to  the  States  south  of  the  Potomac ; 
but  it  is  quite  probable  it  may  succeed  in  this  vicinity,  as  our 
summers  have  so  much  heat. 

LISLE.  Pr.  cat.  Mil.  For. 

La  petite  Violette  hative.  Mil.  VI 

This  fruit  is  of  rounded  form  and  medium  size  ; the, skin  is 
of  a fine  violet  colour  next  the  sun ; the  flesh  is  melting,  and 
full  of  vinous  j.uice ; of.  a pale  yellow  colour,  except  around 
the  stone,  where  it  is  very  red.  It  is  a clingstone,  and  ripens 
early  in  September.  I have  not  seen  this  fruit  myself,  and 
rely  upon  Miller  and  Forsyth  for  the  above  description.  Miller 
quotes  the  “Petite  Violette  Hative”  of ‘Duhamel,  which  is  a 
Nectarine,  as  a synonyme  of  this  ; Forsyth  copies  the  descrip- 
tion given  by  Miller,  but  omits  the  synonyme.  1 do  not  find 
this  variety  in  the  London  Horticultural  Society’s  Catalogue, 
which  would  seem  to  throw. some  doubt  on  the  subject. 

RAMBOUILLET.  Pr.  cat.  Mil.  Lang.  For.  ' 
Lond.  hort.  cat 

Rumbullion.  Cannon^ s Ramhouillet. 

This  fruit  is  of  rather  large  size  and  oval  form,  with  a deep 
suture ; it  is  of  a fine  red  next  the  sun,  and  yellowish  on  the 
shaded  side ; the  flesh  is  a bright  yellow,  deep  red  next  the 
stone,  melting,  with  rich  and  vinous  juice.  It  ripens  in  Sep- 
tember. 

PORTUGAL.  Pr.  CAT.  Mil.  For.  Lo  sd.  hort.  cat. 

This  is  a ver^?  large  round  clingstone,  of  a beautiful  red 
colour  on  the  sunny  side,  and  often  marbled  ; the  flesh  is  firm. 


22 


PEACHES. 


rich,  juicy,  and  vinous,  and  its  colour  svhite,  but  of  a pale  red 
next  to  the  stone,  which  is  of  small  size.  It  is  at  maturity  in 
September. 

YELLOW  ALBERGE  CLINGSTONE.  Pr.  cat. 

, Yellow  Alberge.  For.  Pavie  Alberge.  Duh. 

Persais  d^Angoumois.  Duh.  syn. 

Pavie  j (rune.  *Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

. ^ Persecque  jaune.  Yellow  Persique. 

The  leaves  of  this  tree  are  attended  with  reniform  glands ; 
the  flowers  are  small,  being  not  more  than  seven  or  eight  lines 
in  breadth;  the  fruit  is  of  fine  size  and  beautiful  form,  often 
measuring  two  to  two  and- a half  inches  in  its  greatest  diameter, 
by  one  or  two  lines  less  in  height ; it  is  furrowed  on  one  side 
by  a rather  deep  suture,  one  border  of  which  is  more  project- 
ing than  the  other;  and  it  is  terminated  at  tlie  head  by  a very 
conspicuous  mamelon.  The  skin  is  velvety,  yellow  where 
shaded,  and  speckled  with  a considerable  number  of  small 
reddish  points,  >vhich  become  more  numerous  as  they  approach 
the  sunny  side,  where  they  are  so  close  to  each  other  that 
they  give  it  entirely  a reddish  hue ; the  flesh  is  firm,  rather 
dry,  and  almost  breaking  ; its  colour  is  yellow,  except  around 
the  stone,  to  wliicb  it  strongly  adheres,  and  w here  it  is  a rather 
dark  red.  In  the  first  edition  of  Duhamel  it  is  mentioned  that 
it  becomes  very  melting,  but  this  is  not  the  case  in  the  vicinity 
of  Paris,  where,  however,  it  is  as  yet  very  s.eldora'to  be  met 
with,  as  the  authors  of  the  New  Duhamel  make  mention. 
The  period  at  which  this  peach  ripens  is  towards  the  end  of 
September.  It  is  deemed  an  excellent  fruit,  and  greatly  culti- 
vated in  Angoumois,  whence  the  author  of  this  work  received 
it  about  four  years  since. 

LATE  YELLOW  ALBERGE.  Pr.  cat. 

Alberge  jaune  tardive,  of  French  catalogues.  ‘ 

This  is  a late  clingstone  variety,  and  one  of  those  which  I 
have  recently  introduced  from  the  south  of  France.  It  does 
not  attain  to  maturity  mitil  the  end  of  September  or  the  begin- 
ning of  October : its  appearance  is  fair,  the  form  somew  hat 


PEACHES. 


23 


oval,  and  its  colour  a pale  yellow.  A tree  of  this  variety  pro- 
duced fruit  with  me  the  last  season  for  the  first  time.  It  is 
much  esteemed  in  4he  country  where  it  originated,  and  w ill 
no  doubt  be  equally  so  here ; but  the  opportunities  of  testing 
it  have  as  yet  been  loo  limited  to  allow#  me  to  speak  decidedly 
of  its  qualities  from  personal  investigation. 

OLDMIXON  FREESTONE.  Pr.  cat. 

Oldmixon  clearstone.  Coxe. 

This  tree  produces  small  flowers  ; the  fruit  is  of  large  size, 
and  the  form  flat  or  compressed.  The  colour  of  the  skin  is 
white  where  shaded,  with  a red  cheek  on  the  sunny  side ; and 
it  is  deemed  quite  a beautiful  fruit.  The  flesh  is  tender,  rich, 
juicy,  and  luscious.  Its  period  of  ripenirig  is  August. 

OLDMIXON  CLINGSTONE.  Pr.  cat.  Coxe. 

Catharine  ? Auth. 

This  is  said  to  be  an  imported  variety,  brought  to  this 
country  by  Sir  John  Oldmixon,  to  which  the  title  here 
adopted  was  applied,  for  the  purpose  of  distinction,  in  the 
absence  of  a knowledge  of  its  true  name,  a point  which  I trust 
I shall  be  enabled  ere  long  to  solve.  It  is  a very  fine  fruit, 
and  is  raised  in  great  quantities  for  the  supply  of  the  markets  ; 
it  is  round,  of  large  size,  and  has  a beautiful  red  cheek  next 
the  sun  ; the  flowers  are  of  small  size.  It  bears  carriage  well, 
and  ripens  the  first  week  in  September. 

FAVOURITE  RED.  Pr.  cat. 

Favourite.  Coxe. 

This  tree  has  small  flowers ; the  fruit,  on  the  contrary,  is 
of  large  size,  the  form  oblong,  and  the  flesh  tender  and  rich. 
The  skin  is  red  and  white,  and  the  fruit  of  beautiful  appear- 
ance. It  is  a freestone  variety,  and  at  maturity  early  in 
August. 

GREEN  NUTMEG.  Pr.- cat. 

Early  Anne.  Coxe.  Lond.  Hort.  cat.  Anne.  Mil.  For. 

This  variety  is  said  to  have  originated  in  Berkshire,  (Eng- 
land,) and  I do  not  find  it  described  by  linhaniel  or  any  other 


•24 


PEACHES. 


French  writer.  The  foliage  of  the  tree  has  a particular 
flourishing^  appearance.  The  flowers  are*  pale  red  ; the  fruit 
is  of  a round  form,  with  a partial  suture  at  one  side,  and 
from  one  and ’a  quarter  to  one  and  a half  inches  in  diameter; 
its  colour  is  yellowish  green,  with  a touch*  of  red  next  the  sun 
on  a part  of  those* most  expbsed  to%its  rays;  the  flesh  is  a 
yellowish  white,  melting,  juicy,  and  of  very  pleasant  flavour. 
The  tree  is  a good  bearer,  and  the  fruit  ripens  during  the  first 
days  of  August.  It  is  much  esteemed  for  preserves,  and  when 
not  fully  ripe  the  fruit  is  well  adapted  for  that  purpose,  and 
resembles  green  limes.*  Murray’s*  Early  Anne,  is  a -variety 
raised  from  the  seed  of  this.'  , . 

• • i • / 

— SWEET-WATER  Pr.  cat.  Loxd.  hort.  cat. 

Early  Sweet-water.  Lo*nd.  Hort.  Cat. 

This  tree  has  large  flowers,  the  foliage  and  growth  much 
resemble  the  preceding  one,  of  which  it  is  a seminal  variety, 
and  originated  in  this  village  about  twenty  years  since.  The 
size  is  double  that,  of  .its  parent,  measuring  from  two  to 
two  and  a quarter  * inches’ in  diameter,  and  sometimes  still 
more.  * Its  form  is.  round,  and  its  colour  whitish  green  at 
maturity,* which  takes  place  at  the  same  time. as  the  Green 
Nutmeg,  or  four  or  five  days  later.  The  flesh  is  very  tender, 
melting,  rich,  and  juicy  ; and  when  all  the  .properties  of  this 
variety  are  considered,  it  may  be  justly  deemed  the  finest  of  all 
the  Nutmegs,  and  it  is  the  earliest  peach  we  have  whose  size  is 
above  mediocrity.  It  is ’a  freestone  like  all  the  other  Nutmeg 
varieties. 

BROWN  NUTMEG.  Pr.  cat. — axb  of  the  English 

CATALOGFES. 

Red  Nutmeg,  } ^ . . n 

Scarlet  Nutmeg,  ^ American  collections. 

Early  purple  Avaiit.  For. 

Forsyth  places  Xhe  Avant  peche  jaum^^  of  Duhamel  as 
as  a synonyme  of  the  present  variety,  but  yery  erroneously 
so,  as  they  are  widely  distinct.  This  is  much  the  smallest  of 
the  two,  and  does  not  exceed  an  inch  in  its  greatest  diameter, 


PEACHES. 


25 


and  one  inch  and  a quarter  in  length ; the  form  inclines  to 
oval,  and  it  has  generally  a mamelon  at  the  extremity ; the 
skin  is  downy,  yellowish  on  one  side,  and  a dingy  red  on  the 
other ; the  flesh  is  of  pleasant  flavour,  but  from  the  small  size 
of  the  fruit,  its  principal  value  is  derived  from  its  ripening 
so  very  early,  it  being  one  of  the  first  at  maturity,  which 
takes  place  in  July.  This  tree  is  readily  known  by  its  foliage, 
even  from  the  other  varieties  of  the  Nutmeg  ; and  nearly  the 
whole  of  this  class  of  peaches  may  be  distinguished  by  the 
peculiarity  of  their  growth.  There  is  a variety  called  the 
Blush  Nutmeg,  which  is  considerably  larger  than  the  one  just 
described,  and  approaches  the  Green  Nutmeg  in  point  of  size  ; 
its  colour  is  a pale  red  on  one  side,  and  greenish  on  the  other. 
This  is  by  some  erroneously  called  the  Red  Nutmeg,  few  per- 
sons having  the  genuine  kind. 

LARGE  EARLY  RARERIPE.  Pr.  cat. 

New-  York  Rareripe.  Coxe. 

Royal  Kensington.  For.  Lond.  Hort.  Cat. 

Large  Early.  Lond.  Hort.  Cat. 

York  Rareripe.  Large  early  York. 

This  choice  and  beautiful  variety  was  raised  by  the  grand- 
father of  the  author,  from  the  stone  of  the  Red  Rareripe,  and 
was  transmitted  by  the  present  William  Prince,  a few  years 
after  our  revolution,  to  Mr.  William  Forsyth,  author  of  the 
Treatise  on  Fruit  trees,  who  had  then  the  direction  of  the 
Royal  Gardens  at  Kensington,  near  London,  and  it  probably 
received  the  title  of  Royal  Kensington  from  him.  The  flowers 
are  of  small  size ; the  fruit  of  a round  form,  and  the  skin  of 
a rather  darker  red  on  the  sunny  side  than  its  parent ; the 
flesh  is  also  rather  more  firm,  equally  rich,  juicy,  and  of  a 
luscious  flavour ; it  parts  freely  from  the  stone.  The  tree  is 
very  productive,  and  is  extensively  planted  for  supplying  the 
markets  with  fruit ; its  size,  fine  appearance,  and  other  quali- 
ties, causing  it  to  be  much  sought  after.  It  ripens  about  the 
middle  of  August. 

VOL.  II. 


4 


26 


PEACHES. 


WHITE  RARERIPE.  Pr.  cat. 

Morris^  white.  Morris^  white  Rareripe. 

This  variety  originated  in  the  nursery  of  the  grandfather  of 
the  author.  The  fruit  is  of  fair  size,  measuring  rather  more  than 
two  inches  in  each  direction ; the  form  varies  in  some  degree, 
a part  of  the  fruit  being  oval,  while  another  portion  inclines  to 
a round  shape ; the  skin  is  a pale  yellow,  in  some  cases  without 
any  redness  upon  it,  but  it  frequently  has  a dash  of  red  on  the 
sunny  side,  or  is  partially  striped  or  mottled  with  red  over  a 
small  part  of  its  surface,  where  most  exposed  to  the  sun ; the 
flesh  is  a pale,  greenish  yellow,  rich,  juicy,  and  of  excellent 
flavour,  and  separates  freely  from  the  stone.  The  tree  is 
vigorous,  and  bears  abundantly,  and  the  fruit  ripens  at  the 
end  of  August. 

JACQUES’  RARERIPE.  Pr.  cat.  Thatcher. 

Fes.  amer.  card. 

Jacques'^  yellow  Rareripe. 

This  peach,  which  I received  from  the  vicinity  of  Boston,  is 
said  to  have  originated  there.  The  flowers  are  of  a medium 
size ; the  fruit  is  of  good  size,  of  a yellow  colour  with  a red 
cheek,  and  of  an  excellent  quality.  Some  specimens  of  this 
fruit  have  been  produced  weighing  from  seventeen  to  nineteen 
ounces,  but  the  tree  was  in  an  exceedingly  rich  soil  and  highly 
favorable  situation,  this  being  far  beyond  the  usual  size.  It 
ripens  from  the  beginning  to  the  middle  of  September. 

SARGENT’S  RARERIPE.  Pr.  cat. 

Pearl-street. 

This  variety  originated  in  the  garden  of  Daniel  Sargent; 
Esq.  Pearl-street,  Boston,  and  from  these  circumstances  has 
derived  its  titles.  The  flowers  are  of  large  size,  and  the  fruit 
of  a yellow  colour,  good  size,  and  excellent  flavour.  The  tree 
is  very  productive,  but  somewhat  subject  to  the  mildew  upon 
the  extremities  of  the  young  shoots.  The  fruit  ripens  about 
the  middle  of  September. 


PEACHES. 


27 


HYSLOFS  CLINGSTONE.  Pr.  oat. 

This  variety  was  so  called,  in  consequence  of  its  being 
cultivated  by  David  Hyslop,  Esq.  of  Brookline,  near  Boston, 
who  disseminated  scions  of  it  more  than  twenty  years  ago.  I 
am  not  apprised  whether  it  originated  with  him,  or  if  it  may 
not  have  been  previously  cultivated  by  others  under  a different 
title.  The  fruit  is  of  a large  size,  and  its  form  rather  round, 
but  inclining  to  oval ; the  skin  is  white,  coloured  with  deep 
pink  or  crimson  on  the  sunny  side ; the  flesh  very  juicy,  and  of 
a superior  vinous  flavour.  A very  intelligent  Boston  corres- 
pondent remarks  to  me,  that  this  peach  is  for  the  climate  of 
New-England  what  the  Heath  clingstone  is  to  Virginia,  and 
that  it  is  there  esteemed  the  best  of  all  very  late  peaches.  It 
ripens  in  October,  but  may  be  preserved  until  in  November. 

EARLY  RED  CLINGSTONE.  Pr.  cat.  Lond.  hort.  cat. 

This  fruit  has  been  cultivated  in  the  Flushing  nurseries  for 
sixty  years  or  more  ; its  origin  is  not  known,  but  it  may  have 
been  brought  from  France  by  the  French  protestants  who 
settled  there  at  the  time  of  the  revocation  of  the  edict  of 
Nantz,  they  having  brought  the  Pomme  d’Api,  Summer  Bon 
Chretien,  and  other  fine  fruits,  at  that  period.  It  is  an  excel- 
lent peach,  and  ripens  as  early  as  the  Red  Rareripe.  The 
flowers  are  of  small  size,  and  the  ends  of  the  young  shoots  are 
subject  to  blanch  or  mildew. 

CONGRESS.  Pr.  cat.  Ljnd.  hort.  cat. 

This  tree  produces  flowers  of  medium  size  ; the  fruit  is 
large,  and  of  an  oval  form ; the  skin  is  of  a greenish  colour 
on  one  side,  and  red  on  the  other ; the  quality  is  tolerably 
good,  and  it  is  at  maturity  in  the  month  of  August.  This 
tree  was  first  cultivated  by  Alfred  Livingston,  Esq.  who  estab- 
lished an  extensive  nursery  at  West-Chester,  in  this  State,  and 
from  whom  it  probably  received  its  name. 


28 


PEACHES, 


R()\AL.  Pp.  CAT.  PjM.  MAG.  MiL.  FoE» 


>1 


La  Royale.  Duh. 
Bourdine.  Duh. 

Teton  de  Venv.s.  | 

Late  Admirable. 


Nois.  man. 

Nois.  man.  Lond.  Hort.  Cat. 
Hitt.  Jard.  fruit.  Nois.  man. 

For.  Lond.  Hort.  Cat. 
Lond.  Hort.  Cat.,  No.  3. 


The  following  description  is  taken  from  the  Pomological 
Magazine  published  at  London  : 

“This  magnificent  peach  ripens  in  September,  and  is  by 
far  the  most  valuable  of  our  late  varieties.  These,  in  an 
English  autumn,  are  too  often  remarkable  for  nothing  but 
their  want  of  colour  and  flavour ; but  the  Royal  yields  to  no 
summer  peach  in  the  richness  of  its  juice,  the  delicacy  of  its 
flesh,  or  the  beauty  of  its  colour.  Every  writer  agrees  upon 
this  point,  and  we  scarcely  remember  an  autumn  which  was 
too  unfavourable  for  bringing  it  to  perfection.  There  is  no 
doubt  whatever  of  the  identity,  of  the  Royal,  the  Bourdine,  the 
Teton  de  Venus,  and  the  Late  Admirable”  [of  the  English  col- 
lections ; the  French  Late  Admirable  being  different. — AuTH.] 
“The  Royal  and  Late  Admirable  are  admitted  to  be  the 
same.  Butret,  a writer  of  the  highest  authority  in  all  that 
relates  to  the  peach,  declares  that  the  Teton  de  Venus,  the 
Royal,  and  the  Bourdine,  are  absolutely  the  same.  Even 
M.  Noisette,  in  his  Manual  Complete  although  he  retains  the 
Teton  de  Venus  and  Bourdine  as  distinct,  remarks  that  the 
Bourdine  is  nothing  but  the  other  in  perfection.  * And  finally, 
the  observations  of  Mr.  Thompson,  in  the  garden  of  the  Hor- 
ticultural Society,  go  completly  to  prove  the  identity  of  the 
whole.  Leaves  crenated,  with  globose  glands  ; flowers  small, 
pale  red ; fruit  large,  roundish,  inclining  to  oblong ; suture 
deeply  impressed  along  one  side,  having  the  flesh  swelling 
boldly  and  equally  on  both  sides,  with  a slight  impression  on 
the  summit,  where  there  is  usually  a small  nipple — but  in  this 
respect  the  fruit  varies ; skin  covered  with  a short,  close  down, 
streaked  with  dull  tawny  red  next  the  sun,  pale  green  or  straw- 
coloured  in  the  shade;  cavity  of  the  stalk  rather  small;  flesh 
delicate,  white,  melting,  juicy,  and  high-flavoured,  with  a 


PEACHES. 


29 


slight  tinge  of  rose  next  the  stone,  from  which  it  parts  freely ; 
stone  above  the  middle  size,  oval,  constantly  with  a long  sharp 
point.” 

MONSTROUS  LEMON.  Pr.  cat. 

Largest  Lemon,  Lond.  Hort.  Cat. 

This  tree  is  of  vigorous  growth,  and  produces  small  flow- 
ers; the  fruit  is  of  the  largest  size,  and  in  the  gardens  of 
two  persons  at  New-York  has  weighed  seventeen  ounces  ; the 
flowers  are  but  thinly  scattered  over  the  branches,  and  the  tree 
does  not  bear  well,  unless  the  situation  is  a sheltered  one ; the 
fruit  is  late  in  ripening,  and  in  this  latitude  seems  to  require 
the  warmth  of  a city,  or  a favorable  sheltered  situation,  to 
perfect  its  maturity.  This  variety  was  first  discovered  in  the 
garden  of  Mr.  Tiebout,  of  York  Island,  and  was  sent,  some 
years  since,  to  the  London  Horticultural  Society,  with  several 
hundred  other  varieties  of  fruits,  at  their  express  desire. 

HEATH.  Pr.  cat.  Coxe.  Lond.  hort.  cat. 

Heath  clingstone.  Lond.  Hort.  Cat. 

The  flower  of  this  tree  is  of  small  size,  and  the  leaf  has 
smooth  edges ; the  fruit  is  very  large,  of  oval  or  oblong  form, 
terminated  by  a mamelon  at  the  extremity  ; the  skin  is  white 
with  a partial  tinge  of  cream  colour  when  the  fruit  acquires  its 
maturity,  and  those  most  exposed  to  the  sun  have  a slight  touch 
of  pale  red  next  the  sun  ; the  flesh  is  peculiarly  rich  and  highly 
flavored,  very  tender,  melting,  and  abounding  with  a greater 
profusion  of  juice  than  almost  any  other  peach  ; it  strongly  ad- 
heres to  the  stone  which  often  divides,  so  as  to  expose  the  ker- 
nel. The  tree  is  hardy  and  of  vigorous  growth,  and  so  abun- 
dant in  bearing,  that  it  is  often  necessary  to  thin  out  the  fruit 
on  young  trees,  to  prevent  their  being  exhausted  thereby,  and 
their  growth  consequently  impeded  or  stinted.  It  requires  the 
ground  around  it  to  be  kept  cultivated  or  mellow,  which  will 
cause  the  fruit  to  be  large  and  fair,  and  it  is  found  to  be  in 
general  longer-lived  than  other  trees  of  its  class.  The  fruit 
begins  to  ripen  in  September,  but  by  being  carefully  placed  on 


30 


PEACHES. 


shelves  in  the  fruii-room,  it  may  be  preserved  till  November, 
and  the  juice  acquires  an  additional  riclmess  after  being  thus 
preserved  for  some  days,  but  if  kept  too  long  in  that  state,  it 
shrivels  and  loses  a portion  of  its  juice  and  fine  flavour.  It  is 
in  great  repute  for  preserves  in  sugar  and  brandy,  and  there 
can  scarcely  exist  another  peach  superior  to  it  for  these  pur- 
poses. 

The  following  history  of  its  origin  from  the  pen  of  William 
Prince,  the  present  senior  proprietor  of  the  Flushing  Nur- 
series, difiers  from  that  of  Mr.  Coxe : it  is  possible  that  two 
seedling  varieties  originating  in  difierent  places  may  have  pro- 
duced fruit  so  similar  as  to  blend  them  with  each  other. 

“ The  original  tree  was  discovered  growing  wild  on  the  farm 
of  the  late  Judge  W^illet,  of  Flushing,  and  it  was  called  Heath 
clingstone,  from  the  circumstance  of  its  being  found  in  a bar- 
ren field  or  heath,  as  the  old  English  settlers  sometimes  termed 
such  lands  as  were  left  uncultivated.  My  father  cultivated  it 
many  years  before  the  revolution.  It  has  the  peculiar  pro- 
perty of  perpetuating  itself  from  seed  with  but  a partial  va- 
riation in  most  cases,  from  the  original ; the  fruit  of  some  of 
the  seedling  trees  being  rather  more  firm,  and  that  of  others 
varying  a little  in  the  period  of  maturity,  but  the  whole  hav- 
ing a general  affinity.” 

KEXRICK’S  HEATH.  Pr.  cat. 

This  freestone  variety  I received  from  the  Messrs.  Kenrick, 
who  obtained  it  from  the  late  Gen.  Heath,  of  Roxbury,  near  Bos- 
ton. The  flowers  are  of  medium  size  ; the  fruit  is  oblong,  with  a 
deep  cavity  at  the  insertion,  and  a slight  mamelon  at  the 
extremity ; it  has  also  a groove,  or  suture,  extending  almost 
from  the  base  to  the  summit,  which  is  sometimes  very  deep,  but 
in  general  only  slightly  depressed ; the.  skin  is  a greenish 
yellow,  touched  with  reddish  purple  on  the  sunny  side,  and 
sometimes  of  a purplish  hue  around  the  insertion ; the  flesh  is 
greenish,  extremely  juicy,  of  a pleasant  subacid,  but  not  high 
flavour,  and  is  occasionally  somewhat  stringy ; the  stone  se- 
parates from  the  flesh  and  is  apt  to  split.  This  fruit  is  one  of 


PEACHES. 


31 


the  largest  cultivated  in  Nevv-Eiigland,  frequently  weighing 
half  a pound,  and  sometimes  more,  and  is  strongly  marked  by 
peculiarity  of  appearance ; it  ripens  at  Boston  about  the  20th 
of  September,  and  in  this  vicinity  a week  earlier ; the  tree  is 
of  the  most  vigorous  growth,  aud  produces  good  crops. 

RED.CHEEK  MELOCOTON.  Pr.  cat. 

Red-cheeJc  Malacotan,  Coxe.  Red-cheek  Malagaton, 
Yellow  Malagaton,  Alberge  Incomparable, 

This  is  one  of  the  most  delicious  freestone  varieties,  and  the 
fruit  is  of  a large  size  and  oval  form,  with  a mamelon  at  the 
extremity ; its  colour  is  yellow,  with  a red  cheek  on  the  sunny 
side ; the  flesh  is  also  yellow,  exceedingly  melting,  rich,  juicy 
and  luscious,  and  separates  very  freely  from  the  stone  ; the 
flowers  are  of  small  size.  It  ripens  about  the  20th  of  August, 
and  the  tree  is  healthy,  vigorous,  and  very  productive. 

The  following  statement  of  the  origin  of  this  fruit,  from  the 
pen  of  the  present  senior  proprietor  of  the  Flushing  Nurseries 
may  be  deemed  interesting. 

“ This  variety  originated  in  my  father’s  garden,  the  form  and 
colour  of  the  fruit  greatly  resemble  the  Kennedy’s  Caro- 
lina clingstone.  A tree  of  the  latter  having  thrown  out  a 
shoot  from  below  the  inoculation,  formed  thereby  a forked 
top.  My  father,  in  passing  one  day,  gathered  some  fruit  from 
the  inoculated  branches,  without  noticing  that  the  fruit  on  the 
other  section  of  the  tree  was  different,  the  appearance  being  so 
similar.  The  next  day  he  sent  a servant  to  gather  some  fruit 
from  the  same  tree,  and  on  eating  it  found  the  peaches  then 
brought  to  be  freestones.  He  immediately  told  the  servant 
that  he  could  not  have  gathered  them  from  the  right  tree,  but 
he  declaring  that  he  had  done  so,  my  father  went  to  examine 
it,  and  found  it  as  above  stated ; the  inoculated  part  being  of 
the  clingstone  kind,  and  the  natural  branches  producing  this 
fine  freestone  variety.  He  admired  it  so  much,  that  he  pro- 
pagated it  extensively,  and  gave  it  the  name,  of  Red-cheek 
Malagaton  ; the  common  appellation  of  Malagaton  being  at 
that  day  given  around  the  country,  to  all  the  yellow  peaches, 


32 


PEACHES. 


which  had  no  red  on  them.  I notice  there  are  some  varieties 
of  peacli  termed  Malacotoon,  by  Quintinye  and  Evelyn,  and 
Langley  mentions  a clingstone  peach  called  Malacotune.  The 
terms  Melocoton  and  Malacoton,  are  Spanish  words,  and 
mean  simply  a peach,  or  a peach  tree,  and  from  these  no  doubt 
all  the  corruptions  have  originated  which  now  exist.” 

SPANISH.  Pr.  cat. 

Large  Spanish. 

This  is  a clingstone,  obtained  many  years  since,  from  an 
intelligent  cultivator  at  Baltimore.  It  is  of  a large  size  and 
the  form  nearly  round:  the  skin  is  of  a fair  whitish  colour, 
with  a blush  next  the  sun  ; the  flowers  are  of  small  size.  The 
tree  is  of  vigorous  growth,  and  produces  good  crops;  the 
fruit  is  of  pretty  good  quality,  and  ripens  at  a very  late  period, 
not  being  at  maturity  till  October. 

WHITE  WINTER.  Pr.  cat. 

This  clingstone  variety  was  imported  from  England  as  a 
Nectarine.  The  flowers  are  of  small  size,  and  the  fruit  of  an 
oval  form ; the  skin  and  flesh  are  both  white,  which  colour 
extends  quite  to  the  stone ; and  it  is  on  that  account  preferred 
for  brandy  preserves,  and  also  for  those  in  sugar.  It  is 
deemed  a valuable  fruit  for  these  purposes,  and  does  not  ripen 
until  the  month  of  October.  The  tree  grows  vigorously  and 
bears  well.  There  is  another  late  variety,  called  the  Free- 
stone Winter,  which  is  an  inferior  fruit,  of  a greenish  colour, 
with  a tinge  of  red  on  one  side ; its  only  value  being  the  late- 
ness of  its  maturity. 

PRINCE’S  BLOOD  CLINGSTONE.  Pr.  cat. 

Blood  clingstone.  Claret  clingstone. 

This  very  superior  variety  of  its  class  was  raised  from  seed 
by  the  grandfather  of  the  author.  The  flowers  are  small ; 
the  fruit  is  oval  and  of  large  size,  surpassing  the  French  vari- 
ety ; the  skin  is  of  a dark  purplish  colour,  and  very  downy ; 
the  flesh  is  of  a crimson  or  purplish  tint,  but  of  indiflerent 
flavour.  The  peaches  of  this  class,  it  is  well  known,  are  not 


PEACHES. 


33 


valued  for  the  table,  but  are  much  used  for  preserves,  com- 
potes, and  pickles,  and  for  size  and  beauty,  there  is  perhaps 
none  to  equal  the  present  one. 

FRENCH  BLOOD  CLINGSTONE.  Pr.  cat. 

Sanguinole  adherente.  Sanguinole  d chere  adherente. 

Claret  clingstone. 

This  variety  has  large  flowers,  the  fruit  is  similar  in  charac- 
ter to  the  preceding,  but  of  a less  size ; it  is  used  for  the  same 
purposes,  and  ripens  in  September.  There  is  a Blood  cling- 
stone, cultivated  in  the  Southern  States,  called  there  Georgia, 
or  Indian  Peach,  but  it  is  probably  synonymous  with  one  of 
the  varieties  I have  described. 

SURPRISE.  AuTii. 

This  title  I have  given  to  a most  peculiar  fruit,  first  brought 
to  notice  by  my  esteemed  friend  and  correspondent,  the  Rev. 
J.  Kirkpatrick.  The  outward  appearance  is  very  similar  to 
the  Blood  peach,  the  skin  being  of  a dingy  red  or  purplish 
hue,  but  the  flesh  is  of  a deep  yellow  colour,  with  crimson 
veins  running  from  the  skin  to  the  centre.  The  flavour  is 
very  good,  often  deemed  excellent,  and  it  separates  from  the 
stone.  The  fruit  is  of  Very  large  size,  and  the  tree  produces 
abundantly.  This  variety  is  beyond  all  doubt  of  American 
origin. 

CHEVREUSE  CLINGSTONE.  Pii.  cat. 

This  variety  I received  from  the  Mediterranean.  It  has 
not  yet  borne  fruit  sufficiently  to  decide  upon  its  merits ; it  is 
of  good  size,  and  of  an  oval  form ; the  skin  is  of  a greenish 
yellow  colour,  with  a red  cheek  next  the  sun.  It  ripens  at 
the  end  of  September. 

PRESIDENT.  Pr.  cat.  Pom.  mag.  Lond.  iiort.  cat. 

This  fruit,  so  much  cultivated  in  our  gardens,  and  so  well 
known  for  its  excellence,  originated  at  Bedford,  on  Long 
Island,  and  was  sent  to  the  London  Horticultural  Society, 
some  few  years  since,  and  I copy  the  following  remarks  rela- 

VOL.  II.  n 


34 


PEACHES. 


tive  to  it  from  the  Pomological  Magazine,  a work  published 
under  tl)e  auspices  of  that  society. 

“ A good  deal  of  curiosity  has  been  felt  in  England,  with 
respect  to  the  peaches  of  North  America,  of  the  merits  of 
which  much  has  been  reported  by  travellers  from  that  country. 
There  is  no  doubt  that  those  kinds,  beneath  the  fierce  summer 
sun  of  the  United  States,  fully  merit  the  eulogium  that  has 
been  passed  upon  them ; but  it  is  equally  certain,  that  they 
are  almost  uniformly  wortliless  in  the  climate  of  Great 
Britain.  There  are,  however,  some  exceptions,  two  of  which 
deserve  particularly  to  be  recorded  ; of  these,  the  George 
the  Fourth  is  one,  and  that  which  is  now  represented  is  the 
other.  The  President  peach  is,  with  us,  a rich,  melting,  juicy 
fruit,  ripening  in  tlie  end  of  September,  and  is,  therefore,  va- 
luable on  account  of  the  late  period  of  its  maturity.  Of  course 
it  requires  a south  wall,  and  care  must  be  taken  that  it  is  per- 
fectly ripe  before  being  gathered.  Flowers  small,  deep  red  ; 
leaves  crenated,  with  globose  glands ; fruit  large,  roundish, 
approaching  to  oval,  with  a shallow  suture  ; skin  very  downy, 
dull  red  next  the  sun,  pale  yellowish  green  in  the  shade  ; flesh 
whitish,  juicy,  rich,  and  high  flavoured,  parting  freely  from 
the  stone,  which  is  large,  pointed,  and  very  rugged.” 

FAVIER.  Pr.  cat. 

This  tree  produces  small  blossoms;  the  fruit  is  of  medium 
size,  so  far  as  opportunities  have  yet  allowed  me  to  judge ; 
the  skin  on  the  side  next  the  sun,  is  quite  red,  but  its  colour 
diminishes  towards  the  shaded  side ; even  there,  however,  it 
generally  has  some  touches  of  red  and  numerous  dots  of  the 
same  hue  ; the  form  is  roundish,  but  in  some  cases  the  diame- 
ter exceeds  its  height.  On  some  specimens  of  the  fruit  I have 
noticed  a plainly  marked  suture  running  through  one  side,  and 
a partial  one  on  the  other  side,  while  other  specimens  presented 
scarcely  any  appearance  of  a suture,  its  usual  location  being 
merely  marked  on  one  side  by  a variation  in  the  colour  of  the 
skin ; there  is  a cavity  at  the  extremity  of  the  fruit  but  no  ma- 
melon ; the  flesh  is  a pale  yellowish  white,  with  considerable 


PEACHES. 


35 


redness  next  the  stone ; it  is  melting,  juicy,  rich, and  of  ex- 
cellent flavour,  and  separates  readily  from  the  stone.  This  is 
a new  variety  which  I introduced  from  the  Mediterranean,  and 
ripens  about  the  tenth  of  September. 

SERNACH.  Pr.  cat. 

This  tree  has  large  blossoms,  and  being  a new  variety 
which  I but  recently  introduced  from  the  Mediterranean,  I have 
seen  only  two  of  the  fruit,  which  were  of  medium  size,  and  from 
which  I take  my  description.  The  form  is  very  peculiar, 
being  oval  and  very  much  contracted  at  the  base,  and  swelling 
gradually  as  it  approaches  the  summit,  where  its  size  is  the 
largest.  In  this  respect  it  bears  some  affinity  to  the  shape  of 
the  Blue  Imperatrice  plum,  and  is  what  may  be  termed  pear 
shaped  ; the  suture  extends  entirely  round  the  fruit,  appa- 
rently dividing  it  into  two  sections,  with  a mamelon  at  the 
extremity  ; the  skin  is  a yellowish  white,  varying  next  the  sun 
to  a fine  red  colour;  the  flesh  is  a pale  yellowish  white,  with 
some  redness  next  the  stone,  and  is  rich,  juicy,  and  pleasant. 
This  fruit  is  a freestone,  and  what  is  singular,  both  the  speci- 
mens 1 examined  parted  the  stone  readily  as  I divided  the 
peach,  and  each  had  two  kernels.  I cannot  say  whether  this 
was  accidental,  or  if  it  is  the  peculiar  character  of  tlie  variety. 
Its  period  of  ripening  is  about  the  tenth  of  September. 

EARLY  WHITE  CLINGSTONE.  Pk.  cat. 

This  tree  has  small  flowers;  the  fruit  is  of  medium  size,  and 
rather  less  in  some  cases  ; its  skin  is  pale  yellow,  marbled  with 
red  next  the  sun  ; the  suture  terminates  in  a depression  or 
cavity  at  the  extremity  of  the  fruit,  without  any  mamelon  ; the 
flesh  is  yellowish  green,  juicy  and  of  pleasant  flavour.  Jt 
ripens  at  the  beginning  of  September,  and  makes  good  pre- 
serves. 


ORANGE  FREESTONE.  Pr.  cat. 

This  variety  is  of  uncertain  origin,  and  received  its  present 
title  from  the  father  of  the  author,  on  account  of  its  shape.  It 


36 


PEACHES. 


is  almost  round,  its  diameter,  however,  rather  exceeds  its 
length,  and  at  the  extremity  it  has  a small  mamelon.  It  justly 
ranks  as  one  of  the  largest  and  finest  freestones ; the  skin  is 
yellowish  white,  but  where  exposed  to  the  sun,  it  acquires  a 
tinge  of  red  on  one  side  ; it  separates  very  readily  from  the 
flesh,  when  at  full  maturity  ; which  is  rich,  juicy,  sweet,  and  of 
high  flavour,  and  in  these  points  is  perhaps  surpassed  by  no  other 
variety.  The  tree  is  of  vigorous  growth,  and  quite  produc- 
tive ; the  blossoms  are  of  medium  size,  and  the  fruit  ripens 
about  the  tenth  of  September. 

MONSTROUS  FREESTONE.  Pr.  cat. 

English  Malta.  Noblesse. 

The  fruit  of  this  variety  bears  a striking  similarity  both  in 
form,  colour,  and  quality,  to  the  preceding  ; but  the  growth  of 
the  tree  is  different,  the  young  branches  are  stronger  and  the 
buds  larger.  I have  noticed  that  the  leaves  are  generally 
attended  with  three  glands.  I imported  this  tree  from  Lon- 
don by  the  name  of  Malta,  but  found  the  title  to  be  incorrect. 
It  has  been  by  some  called  the  Noblesse,  but  the  leaves  of  that 
variety  are  devoid  of  glands,  not  to  enumerate  other  difier- 
ences.  The  tree  grows  vigorously,  and  bears  well.  In  the 
absence  of  all  knowledge  of  the  true  title,  I have  applied  the 
one  here  adopted. 

PERSIQUE  CLINGSTONE.  Pr.  cat. 

Perseque.  Pr.  Hort. 

This  tree  produces  small  flowers ; the  fruit  is  of  large  size, 
of  oval  form  and  beautiful  appearance  when  at  perfection ; 
the  skin  is  of  a fine  red  colour  next  the  sun,  and  of  a paler 
hue  on  the  other  side;  the  flesh  is  juicy,  and  of  very  pleasant 
flavour.  The  tree  is  exceedingly  productive,  and  like  the  Heath 
clingstone,  is  apt  to  be  overloaded.  I think  this  one  of  the 
most  valuable  varieties  that  can  be  cultivated  for  supplying  the 
markets  late  in  the  season,  the  fruit  not  being  ripe  until  the 
end  of  September  or  beginning  of  October  : its  large  size  and 
line  colour  render  it  particularly  attractive. 


NECTARINES. 


EARLY  VIOLET.  Pr.  cat.  Knight  in  Hort.  Trans. 

Violet.  Pom.  Mag.  Hitt’s  Treatise. 

Petite  Violette  hative.  Duh.  Jard.  fruit. 

Brugnon  petite  violette  hative. 

f Bon.  Jard.  Nois.  man.  Lind,  in  Lond. 

Violette  hative,  < Hort.  Trans.  Lond.  Hort.  cat.  and 
f of  the  English  nurseries. 

Lord  Selsey^s  Elruge.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

Large  scarlet,  of  some  collections  ? 

I CANNOT  adopt  the  same  title  as  the  Pomological  Maga- 
ine,  as  it  is  so  extremely  indefinite.  The  synonymes  quoted 
above  I doubt  not  are  all  correctly  applied,  with  the  exception 
of  the  one  last  named,  which  I quote  from  the  Pomological 
Magazine.  The  trees  in  my  collection  received  under  the 
title  of  “ Large  Scarlet from  one  of  the  most  accurate  nur~ 
series  in  London,  produce  very  deep  red  flowers,  and  differ 
very  materially  from  the  present  variety,  which  I will  now 
proceed  to  describe. 

The  flowers  are  small,  and  the  leaves  are  attended  with 
reniform  glands  at  their  base ; the  fruit  is  seventeen  to 
eighteen  lines  in  diameter,  and  often  a line  more  in  height,  and 
is  commonly  terminated  by  a small  mamelon.  The  skin  is 
smooth,  dark  red  approaching  to  violet  on  the  sunny  side,  and 
light  green,  varying  to  whiteness  on  the  shaded  side ; the  skin 
separates  readily  from  the  flesh,  which  is  whitish,  slightly 
coloured  with  red  next  the  stone,  melting,  replete  with  sweet, 
vinous,  and  highly  perfumed  juice.  The  stone,  which  pretty 
easily  detaches  from  the  flesh,  is  a very  light  brownish  red. 
The  period  of  maturity  is  the  beginning  of  September,  and  in 
order  to  taste  the  fruit  in  perfection,  it  should  not  be  gathered 
until  perlectly  ripe ; the  tree  is  generally  very  productive. 


38 


NECTARINES. 


yielding,  even  when  quite  small,  an  abundance  of  fruit.  I 
extract  the  following  description  of  this  fruit  from  the  Pomo- 
logical  Magazine. 

“ This  excellent  nectarine  is  commonly  cultivated  under  its 
French  name  ; we  do  not,  however,  approve  of  using  a foreign 
nomenclature  when  we  have  an  old  established  name  of  our 
own.  It  is  not  unfrequently  sold  for  the  Red  Roman,  a very 
different  fruit.  Ripens  from  the  end  of  August  to  the  middle 
of  September,  and  deserves  cultivation  on  account  of  its  excel- 
lent flavour  and  great  beauty. 

“ A large  Elruge  Nectarine,  described  by  Mr.  John  Bowers, 
in  the  fifth  volume  of  the  Horticultural  Society’s  Transactions, 
page  523,  as  growing  in  a fruiting  house  in  Lord  Selsey’s 
garden  at  West  Dean,  in  Sussex,  has  been  subsequently  as- 
certained to  be  this  variety.  Leaves  crenated  with  reniform 
glands.  Flowers  small,  bright  red.  Fruit  rather  larger  than 
that  of  other  nectarines,  and  somewhat  broader  at  the  base 
than  at  the  apex ; cavity  of  the  foot-stalk  middle  sized ; the 
point  w hich  makes  the  base  of  the  style  seldom  projects,  but  is 
generally  in  a shallow  cleft,  which  runs  across  the  apex  ; skin 
where  exposed,  dark  purplish  red,  intermixed  or  mottled  with 
pale  brown  dots ; next  the  wall  pale  yellowdsh  green.  Flesh 
whitish,  or  very  pale  yellowish  green,  edged  with  red  at  the 
stone,  from  which  it  parts  freel}^  ; melting,  juicy,  and  rich. 
Stone  middle  sized,  roundish,  obovate,  its  fissures  not  so  deep 
nor  so  sharp  as  those  of  the  Elruge,  their  ridges  flattish  but 
rough,  and  of  a red  colour,  by  which  it  may  always  be  distin- 
guished from  the  fruit  just  named,  the  stone  of  which  is  pale, 
with  no  rays  of  red  passing  from  it  into  the  flesh.” 

LARGE  EARLY  VIOLET.  Rr.  cat. 

Grosse  violette  hative.  Duh.  | Violette  de  Cotirson. 

Brugnon  grosse  violette  hative. 

Grosse  violette.  Bon.  Jard.  Lond.  Hort.  Cat. 

The  principal  difl’erence  betw  een  this  fruit  and  the  preceding 
one  is,  in  point  of  size,  it  being  much  larger,  and  measuring 
twenty-four  to  twenty-six  lines  in  diameter,  by  a line  or  two 


NECTARINES. 


39 


less  in  height ; the  skin  is  also  rather  marbled  than  washed 
with  a reddish  violet  colour,  and  the  flesh  less  vinous ; its 
period  of  ripening  is  the  middle  of  September. 


\ 


LATE  MARBLED  VIOLET.  Pk.  cat. 


Violette  tardive. 
Violette  rnarbr^e. 
Violette  panach^e. 


Duh.  Lond.  Hort.  Cat. 
> Duh.  syn. 


The  flowers  of  this  tree  are  very  small  and  of  a pale  red 
colour  ; the  fruit  is  of  medium  size,  of  rather  greater  height 
than  diameter,  somewhat  of  a round  form,  and  often  partially 
angular  ; the  skin  is  smooth,  greenish  on  the  shaded  side, 
touched  with  red  and^iolet  spots  next  the  sun ; the  flesh  is 
white,  partially  approaching  a yellow  hue,  and  red  next  the 
stone  ; it  is  melting,  separates  readily  from  the  stone,  of  a plea- 
sant vinous  taste  when  at  perfect  maturity,  which  in  northern 
climates  it  only  attains  when  the  autumn  is  dry  and  warm, 
as  it  does  not  ripen  until  sometime  in  the  month  of  October. 
This  is  a rare  variety  which  I introduced  from  the  Mediterra- 
nean the  present  year. 


LATEST  VIOLET. 

Violette  tres  tardive.  Duh.  ] Peche  noix.  Duh.  syn. 

This  fruit  resembles  the  preceding  in  almost  every  point ; 
it  only  differs  in  being  of  an  uniform  red  colour  next  the  sun, 
its  flesh  greenish,  and  in  ripening  at  a still  later  period.  In  a 
dry  and  warm  autumn  and  in  the  best  exposure,  it  does  not 
acquire  its  maturity  until  the  end  of  October  in  the  latitude  of 
Paris,  and  where  the  circumstances  are  not  thus  favourable,  it 
does  not  ripen  at  all.  It  seems,  therefore,  to  be  calculated 
only  for  the  more  southern  climates. 


MUSK  VIOLET.  Pk.  cat.  Coxe. 


Brugnon  violet.  N.  Dull. 

Brvgnon  violet  masque.  O.  Duh. 

Violette  musqu^e.  Lond.  Hort.  Cat.  | Violet  musk. 

Tlie  flowers  of  this  tree  are  pale  red,  usually  rather  large 


40 


NECTARINES. 


but  sometimes  of  smaller  size  ; the  fruit  is  about  two  inches  in 
diameter  ; its  skin  is  smooth,  white  with  a yellowish  tinge 
where  shaded,  and  of  a fine  violet  red  next  to  the  sun ; the 
flesh  is  firm  without  being  dry,  of  a white  colour  approaching 
to  yellow,  full  of  sweet  juice,  which  is  vinous,  musky,  and  of 
excellent  taste  ; the  stone  adheres  strongly  to  the  flesh.  This 
fruit  ripens  at  the  end  of  September.  Duhamel  says  that  it 
should  not  be  gathered  until  it  begins  to  shrivel,  and  even 
that  it  should  be  placed  for  some  time  in  the  fruit-room  in  or- 
der to  acquire  itsjuice  perfectly. 

FRENCH  YELLOW.  Pr.  cat. 

Brugnon  jaune.  Duh.  Calvel. 

This  variety  which  is  cultivated  in  the  southern  depart- 
ments of  France,  diflbrs  from  the  preceding  in  several  points; 
being  at  first  greenish,  and  even  next  the  sun  acquiring  only  a 
yellow  colour ; its  flesh  is  more  melting,  sweet,  accompanied 
with  a slight  degree  of  acidity,  and  adheres  less  to  the  stone. 
In  warm  climates  it  ripens  in  September.  I received  this  va- 
riety from  the  Mediterranean  this  year  for  the  first  time. 

DESPRES.  PoiT.  Jard.  fruit.  Bon  Jard. 

Desjprez.  Early  yellow  7 

This  variety  was  introduced  to  the  Parisian  gardens  from 
Belgium  in  1810.  It  is,  however,  even  at  this  date  but  sel- 
dom met  with  in  the  French  collections.  The  leaves  are  long, 
of  a light  green  hue,  and  bordered  with  small  indentures;  the 
flowers  are  the  size  of  those  of  the  Grosse  Mignonne  peach  and 
of  a rather  pale  colour ; the  fruit  is  sometimes  round  and  in 
other  cases  oblong,  varying  in  diameter  from  fifteen  to  eighteen 
lines ; the  skin  which  is  perfectly  smooth  and  shining,  is  at 
first  light  green,  it  then  acquires  a yellowish  wdiite  hue,  and 
finally  becomes  partially  marbled  wfith  red  next  to  the  sun  at 
its  maturity,  which  takes  place  about  the  15th  of  August. 
The  flesh  is  white,  melting,  vinous  and  full  of  very  sweetjuice. 
This  new'  variety  is  recommended  by  French  writers  as  highly 
worthy  of  extensive  propagation,  and  is  stated  to  be  one  of  the 


NECTARINES. 


41 


earliest  varieties  of  the  nectarine.  1 have  a tree  which  I ob- 
tained from  Holland  that  I strongly  suspect,  will  prove  identi- 
cal with  this. 

COMMON  ELRUGE.  Pr.  cat.  Pom.  mag. 

Elruge.  Lind,  in  Lond.  Hort.  Trans.  Not  of  Miller. 

I quote  the  following  detailed  description  from  the  Pomolo- 
gical  Magazine : 

“ The  name  of  Elruge  nectarine  has  long  found  a place  in 
the  lists  of  English  fruit  trees,  and  is  supposed  to  be  the  ana- 
gram of  Gurles,  a nurseryman,  by  whom  it  was  either  raised 
or  sold.  But  it  is  singular,  that  from  some  unexplained  cause, 
the  kind  to  which  the  name  was  originally  applied,  and  which 
is  described  by  Miller,  has  been  almost  lost  from  cultivation, 
while  that  which  is  now  represented  has  usurped  its  place. 
This  fact  was  first  pointed  out  by  Mr.  George  Lindley,  in  the 
Transactions  of  the  Horticultural  Society,  and  has  been  since 
universally  admitted.  Hence,  there  are  two  Elruge  nectarines 
in  our  gardens,  one  called  Miller’s  Elruge,  and  the  other 
Common  Elruge.  This  last  is  the  subject  of  the  following 
remarks.  It  is  to  be  suspected,  that  all  the  descriptions  of 
modern  authors  refer  to  this  rather  than  to  Miller’s. 

“It  is  probable  that  the  Claremont  nectarine  is  a synonyme 
of  thjs,  and  there  is  reason  to  believe,  that  the  Vermash,  figured 
by  Hooker  in  hi^  Pomona  Londinensis,  is  also  a representa- 
tion of  the  same  variety..  The  latter  is,  however,  undoubtedly 
a distinct  kind. 

“ The  Common  Elruge  nectarine  ripens  on  a south  wall,  in 
the  end  of  August  and  beginning  of  September ; it  will  also 
acquire  maturity  on  a west  wall.  We  have  even  seen  an  in- 
stance of  its  producing  a perfectly  well-grown  ripe  fruit  in  the 
end  of  September,  upon  an  open  standard  tree.  This  occurred 
in  the  garden  of  the  Horticultural  Society  in  1827. 

“One  of  our  very  best  and  most  high  flavoured  of  our  nec- 
tarines, and  one  of  those  which  are  most  generally  cultivated. 
It  is  very  like  the  Violette  hative,  from  which  it  is  known  by  its 
parting  more  freely  from  the  stone,  and  by  the  channel  in  its 

VOL.  II.  6 


42 


NECTARINES. 


side  being  deeper  and  less  pitted  with  little  excavations* 
Leaves  crenated,  with  reniform  glands ; flowers  very  small, 
pale  dull  red ; fruit  large,  roundish,  inclining  to  oval,  chan- 
nel shallow^  at  the  base,  becoming  gradually  deeper  towards 
the  apex ; skin  deep  violet;- or  blood  colour  when  exposed, 
with  minute  brow  nish  specks,  paler  in  the  shade  ; flesh  w hitish, 
melting,  very  juicy,  rich  and  high  flavoured,  a little  stained 
with  red  next  the  stone,  from  which  it  parts  freely;  stone  mid- 
dle-sized, ovalj  slightly  pointed,  pale,  in  w^hich  it  difiers  from 

the  Violette  hative,  the  stone  of  which  is  deep  red.” 

« « 

MILLER’S  ELRUGE.  Pom.  mag. 

Elruge,  of  Miller.  Lond.  Hort*.  cat. 

Elruge.  Mil.  For.  I Clermont.  For.  syn. 

Elrouge.  | 

The  fruit  of  this  variety  is  of  medium  size ; the  colour  is 
dark  red,  or  purple  next  to  the  sun,  and  pale  yellow  or  green- 
ish on  the  shaded  side  ; the  flesh  is  melting,  vinous,  and  juicy, 
and  separates  freely  from  the  stone.  Its  time  of  ripening  is 
early  in  August. 

WHITE  NECTARINE.  Pr.  cat.  Pom.  mag.  For.— 
Lo>'d.  Hort.  Trans. 

Old  White,  of  English  Nurseries. 

, White,  or  Flanders.  Hook.  Pom.  Lohd.  ? 

Brugnon  hlanc  musqu^e.  May,  Pom.  Fran.  • 

Nectarine  blanche  de  Weitzenffld,  according  to  Mayer. 

The  ample  opportunities  for  correct  decisions  which  the. 
London  Horticultural  Society  possess,  give  to  their  conclu- 
sions a high  degree  of  authority,  in  accordance  with  which  I 
have  adopted  the  synonymes  above  quoted  fr6m  the  Pomolo- 
gical  Magazine.  It  wall  be  seen,  however,  that  I have  omitted 
one  which  is  adopted  in  that  w^ork;  the  “New  White  of  the 
Nurseries,”  as  I find  the  variety  I have  received  by  that  title, 
from  the  English  nurseries  to  be  di  freestone.  It  is  also  stated 
in  the  New  Duhamel,  that  the  variety  therein  described  as  the 
“ Violette  blanche, and  wdiich  was  obtained  from  Belgium 
under  the  title  of  “ Brugnon  hlanc,  is  likewise  a freestone,  and 


NECTARINES. 


43 


from  that  circumstance  I have  attached  a mark  of  doubt  to  the 
second  synonyme,  and  which  may  possibly  be  applicable  also 
to  one  or  both  of  those  last  quoted.  I now  proceed  to  give 
the  remarks  and  descriptions  as  contained  in  the  Magazine 
referred  to  : 

It  is  probable  that  there  is  no  difference  between  the  vari- 
ous kinds  of  White  Nectarines  now  in  cultivation ; at  least, 
the  differences,  if  they  exist,  are  *so  unimportant  as  to  be  little 
deserving  of  notice.  It  is  supposed  that  the  sort  mentioned 
in  the  Transactions  of  the  Horticultural  Society,  under  the 
name  of  the  Cowdray  White,  is  a rather  large  kind.  Ripens 
in  August  and  September,  and  is  remarkable  for  its  fine  rich 
flavour  and  abundant  juice.  This  variety  is  not  noticed  by 
Miller.  Leaves  broad,  crenated,  with  reniform  glands  ; flow- 
ers large;  fruit  middle-sized,  roundish,  very  pale  yellowish 
green,  becoming  almost  white  in  the  shade,  and  slightly 
tinged  with  red  next  the  sun;  flesh  tender  and  juicy,  with  a 
fine  vinous  flavour  ; stone  rather  small,  adhering  to  the  flesh.” 

FRENCH  WHITE.  Pr.  cat. 

Violette  blanche,  N.  Diih.  Brugnon  hlanc. 

The  leaves  of  this  variety  are  large,  attended  with  reniform 
glands  ; the  flowers  are  a delicate  rose  colour,  and  are  sixteen 
to  eighteen  lines  in  diameter ; the  fruit  has  a smooth  shining 
skin,  which  is  white  approaching  to  a yellow  hue ; it  varies 
somewhat  in  the  shape,  being  in  some  cases  oblong,  and  in 
others  round ; the  ordinary  diameter  is  from  eighteen  to 
twenty  lines.  The  flesh  is  entirely  white,  at  first  rather  firm, 
afterwards  melting  and  full  of  juice,  of  a very  pleasant  vinous 
flavour ; the  stone  is  oval,  terminated  by  a blunt  point,  and 
separates  readily  from  the  flesh.  This  fruit  ripens  from  the 
middle  to  the  end  of  August.  In  Belgium  it  is  known  by  the 
synonyme  last  quoted,  and  was  thence  brought  to  Paris  in 
1808.  The  tree  is  said  to  be  rather  delicate  in  northern  lati- 
tudes, but  I have  never  yet  seen  a nectarine  tree  of  any  variety 
whatever,  affected  by  the  winter  in  this  vicinity.  1 introduced 
this  variety  from  the  south  of  Europe  the  present  year. 


44 


NECTARINES. 


LATE  YELLOW.  Pr.  cat, 

# 

Violette  jaune.  N.  Duh.  Jaune  lisse,  ? j)  u V 

Rousanne.  Mofrin.  Lisse  jaune ^ ^ . u . . 

Jaune  lisse — Yellow.  Coxe.  Jaune  lisse  tar  dive* 

The  flowers  of  this  tree  are  stated  by  Duhamel  to  be  small, 
or  at  most,  of  medium  size ; but  the  Bon  Jardinier  says  they 
are  of  large  size,  and  those  of  my  trees  are  of  that  description  ; 
the  fruit  is  round  and  twenty  tw'o  to  twenty  four  lines  in  dia- 
meter ; the  skin  is  smooth,  yellow,  partially  marbled  with  red 
on  the  sunny  side ; the  flesh  is  yellow,  with  very  pleasant  sweet 
juice,  possessing  the  flavour  of  the  apricot.  This  fruit  ripens 
about  the  middle  of  October,  and  requires  a dry  and  warm 
autumn  to  ripen  well,  and  to  attain  that  agreeable  taste  which 
it  will  not  otherwise  possess. 

CHERRY  NECTARINE.  Pr.  cat. 

Piche  Cerise.  O.  Duh.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

Violette  Cerise.  N.  Duh.  , 

The  flowers  of  this  tree  are  of  a very  pale  rose  colour 
almost  white,  and  nine  lines  in  diameter ; the  leaves  are  at- 
tended with  reniform  glands.  This  is  one  of  the' smallest  fruits 
of  its  class,  being  no  more  than  fourteen  to  fifteen  lines  in 
diameter,  by  thirteen  in  height ; often  about  eighteen  lines  by 
fifteen ; and  in  a few  instances  twenty  by  eighteen,  the  latter 
being  the  dimensions  given  by  Duhamel.  The  form  is  round, 
and  the  fruit  is  furrowed  on  one  side  by  a very  distinct  longi- 
tudinal suture,  which  terminates  at  the  head  by  a mamelon, 
always  very  visible,  and  somewhat  pointed.  The  skin  is 
smooth,  delicate,  and  shining,  of  a fine  red  colour  on  the  sunny 
side,  and  of  a waxen  white  on  other  parts  ; it  separates  readily 
from  the  flesh  when  the  fruit  is  at  maturity.  These  shades 
give  to  this  fruit  a highly  pleasing  appearance,  and  cause  it 
to  present  a similarity  to  the  Pomme  d’Api,  or  Lady  apple. 
The  flesh  is  white,  melting,  and  not  highly  flavoured  ; it  de- 
taches easily  from  the  stone,  which  is  oval,  but  nearly  round. 


NECTARINES, 


45 


whitish,  and  only  partially  coloured.  This  fruit  ripens  com- 
monly at  the  end  of  August,  and  in  early  seasons  at  the  begin- 
ning of  that  month,  and  sometimes,  under  very  favourable  cir- 
cumstances, even  the  latter  part  of  July  : it  is  very  beautiful, 
and  serves  to  ornament  the  desert. 

OLD  NEWINGTON.  Pr.  cat. 

Newington.  Mil.  Lond.  Hort.  Cat. 

Late  Newington,  Lang.  For. 

Scarlet  Newington. 

This  tree  has  indented  leaves  and  large  flowers  ; the  fruit  is 
also  of  a large  size ; the  skin  is  of  a beautiful  red  colour  next 
the  sun,  and  a fine  yellow  on  the  other  side ; the  flesh  is  yellow 
except  next  the  stone,  to  which  it  adheres  closely,  and  where  it 
is  of  a deep  red  hue ; its  quality  is  excellent,  being  rich  and 
juicy.  This  variety  is  much  esteemed  and  ripens  in  Septem- 
ber. 

RED  ROMAN.  Pr.  cat.  For.  Coxe, 

Roman.  Lond.  Hort.  Cat.  Old  Roman. 

Roman  red.  Mil.  Brugnonmusquee.  For.  syn.  ? 

This  fruit  is  fair  and  of  large  size  ; the  form  is  round,  the 
skin  dark  red  next  to  the  sun,  and  of  a yellowish  hue  on  the 
other  side ; the  flesh  is  firm,  of  a yellowish  white  colour,  except 
next  the  stone,  where  it  is  very  red ; it  abounds  with  rich  juice 
when  the  fruit  is  fully  ripe,  at  which  period  the  skin  becomes 
shrivelled.  This  is  a clingstone  variety  and  greatly  resembles 
the  old  Newington,  from  which  it  is  principally  distinguished 
by  having  a smooth  leaf,  that  of  the  latter  being  indented. 
Both  are  highly  esteemed  varieties,  and  ripen  in  September. 

VERMASH.  Pr.  cat.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

True  Vermash.  Hook.  Pom.  For. 

This'fruit  is  of  rather  small  size,  and  of  a round  form,  taper- 
ing towards  the  eye,  the  skin  is  of  a very  deep  red  colour  next 
the  sun,  and  of  a greenish  hue  on  the  other  side ; the  flesh  is 
white,  with  a circle  of  red  next  the  stone,  which  is  small  and 


46 


NECTARINES. 


from  which  it  parts  freely  ; it  is  also  rich,  melting,  and  juicy, 
with  a pleasant  degree  of  acidity.  The  fruit  is  at  maturity  in 
August.  5 

FAIRCHILD'S  EARLY.  Pk.  cat.  Mil.  Fob. 

Fairchild’s.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

This  is  one  of  the  earliest  varieties ; the  fruit  is  round  and 
of  small  size,  of  a beautiful  red  colour  on  the  sunny  side  and 
yellow  on  the  other  ; the  flesh  is  not  very  juicy  but  of  a pleasant 
taste  and  flavour.  It  is  a freestone,  and  ripens  early  in  August. 

SCARLET.  Mil.  F dr.  Lond.  hokt.  cat. 

Early  Scarlet.  Large  Scarlet.  7 

This  tree  produces  small  deep  red  flowers ; the  fruit  is  of 
fine  size,  of  a beautiful  scarlet  colour  next  the  sun,  and  pale 
red  on  the  shaded  side  ; the  flesh  sepaVates  from  4;he  stone.  It 
is  at  maturity  in  August. 

4TALIAX  BRUGXOX.  Pr.  cat; 

, Brugnon  or  Italian.  Mil. 

Bnignon.  ) Lang.  Pom.  For. 

Italian.  ^ Lond.  Hort.  cat.  Coxe. 

English  Brugnon. 

The  French  word  Brugnon,  signifies  merely  Nectarine,  and 
consequently  this  term,  which  is  used  by  several  authors  as  a 
title  for  the  present  variety,  has  no  definite  meaning,  and  can- 
not serve  to  distinguish  it.  T have  therefore  varied  it  to  the 
one  here  adopted.  This  tree  has  small  deep  red  flowers,  the 
fruit  is  of  a large  size,  a dark  red  on  the  sunny  side  and  pale 

yellow  on  the  other;  the  flesh  is  firm,  rich,  of  good  flavour, 

and  very  red  at  the  stone,  to  which  it  adheres.  It  ripens  in 
August.  ^ 

MURRY.  Pk  cat.  For.  Lond.  hort.  cat.  Coxe. 

Black  Murry. 

This  is  a fruit  of  medium  size,  and  round  form  ; the  colour 
of  its  skin  is  a dull  red  next  to  the  sun,^and  yellowish  green  on 
the  other  side ; the  flesh  is  firm,  adheres  to  the  stone,  and 
is  of  good  flavour.  The  fruit  ripens  in  September. 


NECTARINES* 


47 


TEMPLE’S.  Pr.  cat.  Lang.  Mil.  For. 

Lond.  hort.  cat. 

This  fruit  is  oval  and  of  medium  size ; its  colour  is  pale 
red  next  the  sun  and  yellowish  green  on  the  other  side ; when 
it  is  at  perfect  maturity  the  skin  becomes  shrivelled  ; the  flesh 
is  of  fine  flavour  and  abounds  with  rich  juice.  This  is  a free- 
stone, and  is  at  maturity  in  September. 

GOLDEN.  Pr.  cat.  Lang.  Mil.  For.  Lond.  hort.  cat. 

Orange. — Fine  golden  Jleshed. 

This  is  a round  fruit,  of  large  size ; it  is  of  the  finest 
orange  colour,  delicately  and  beautifully  mottled  with  red  next 
to  the  sun,  which  gives  to  it  a clear  waxen  appearance,  so  that 
it  greatly  resembles  an  artificial  preparation.  There  is  per- 
haps ho  fruit  whatever  more  beautiful  than  this,  when  it  is  in 
perfection.  The  flesh  is  yellow,  firm,  adheres  to  the  stone  and, 
is  of  pleasant  flavour ; the  tree  bears  well ; the  flowers  are  of 
small  size,  and  the  fruit  ripens  in  September. 

PETERBOROUGH.  Pr.  cat.  Mil.  For.  Lond.  hort.  cat. 

Late  Green. — Vermash. 

This  tree  produces  small  deep  red  flowers ; the  fruit  is  of 
medium  size,  round  form,  and  always  of  a green  colour ; the 
part  next  the  sun  being  of  the  deepest  green  and  the  other 
side  of  a paler  hue ; the  flesh  is  firm  and  of  pleasant  flavour  ; 
the  fruit  ripens  in  September. 

LEWIS’  NECTARINE.  Pr.  cat.'  Fes.  amer.  gard. 

Boston.  Lond.  Hort.  Cat.  Lewis’  Boston  yellow.  . . 

This  is  said  to  have  originated  from  seed  at  or  near  Boston. 
It  is  a beautiful  fruit  of  a dark  crimson  colour  inclining  to  a 
purple  on  the  sunny  side,  and  yellow  on  the  other  ; the  flesh  is 
yellow  and  of  superior  quality.  There  is  another  variety  said 
to  have  been  raised  from  the  seed  of  this  one,  which  is  some- 
times called  Boston  Seedling,  and  represented  to  be  of  large 
size,  and  resembling  this  in  its  appearance. 


PLUMS. 


GREEN  GAGE.  Pr.  cat.  Pr.  hort.  Lond.  hort.  cat.  Coxe. 

Queen  Claudia,  Large  Queen  Claude. 

Reine  Claude.  Grosse  Reine  Claude.  Duh. 

Reine  Claude.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

Daujphine — Abricot  vert  ^ g jj 

Sucrinvert — Verte  bonne.  ^ ^ 

Large  green  Claudia.  Great  Queen  Claudia. 

Murray^s  Reine  Claude.  Huling^s  Reine  Claude. 

La  Grosse  Reine  Claude^  or  Dauphine.  Mil. 

Reine  Claude  blanche^  la  grosse. 

Gros  Damas  vert. 

The  form  of  this  plum  is  nearly  round,  it  being  eighteen 
lines  in  length  and  the  same  in  diameter;  the  peduncle  is 
eight  lines  long,  and  inserted  in  a slight  cavity;  the  skin, 
which  is  marked  with  reddish  dots  on  the  side  next  the  sun,  is 
greenish  on  all  other  parts  of  it,  with  some  partial  touches  of 
pale  straw  colour  when  it  attains  to  full  maturity ; but  it  never 
becomes  yellow,  in  which  respect  it  differs  from  the  small 
Reine  Claude,  and  the  Double  flowering  Gage.  The  flesh  is 
of  a greenish  hue,  melting,  with  abundance  of  very  sweet  and 
highly  perfumed  juice  of  an  exquisite  taste ; it  does^t  adhere 
to  the  stone,  which  is  eight  and  a half  lines  long  arid  six  and  a 
half  broad.  The  fruit  attains  its  maturity  about- the  middle  of 
August,  and  in  rainy  seasons  is  subject  to  crack  when  ripe. 
It  is  one  of  the  finest  plums  for  the  table ; it  is  also  used  to 
make  preserves  in  sugar  and  in  brandy,  as  well  as  compotes, 
all  of  which  are  of  excellent  quality.  The  sweet  preserves 
made  from  it  in  France,  are  commonly  known  by  the  name  of 
marmelades.  It  is  not  so  suitable  to  make  prunes,  for  in  con- 
sequence of  being  so  very  juicy,  there  is  not  sufficient  substance 
when- it  becomes  dried,  although  the  taste  is  excellent.  This 
tree  forms  strong  shoots  ; the  bark  is  smooth,  of  a brown 
colour,  a little  reddish  on  the  sunny  side  near  the  extremities, 
and  greenish  on  the  opposite  side ; the  buds  are  of  medium 


PLUMS. 


49 


size,  near  to  each  other  and  have  large  projecting  shoulders. 
It  is  well  calculated  to  form  dwarfs  or  espaliers.  There  are 
some  fine  seminal  varieties  of  this  plum,  one  of  which  has 
oval  fruit,  and  I have  recently  received  a new  late  variety  from 
the  South  of  France. 

DOUBLE  FLOWERING  GAGE.  Pk.  cat. 

Semi-double  Jiowering  Reine  Claude,  Pr.  cat.  26  ed. 

Prunier  d Jieur  semi-double.  Duh. 

Prune  semi-double. 

Reine  Claude  d Jieur  semi-double.  Lond.  Flort.  cat. 

Prune^d  Jieur s semi-doubles. 

This  is  a variety  of  the  Green  Gage  with  double  flowers, 
which  render  it  highly  ornamental  when  in  bloom  ; the  blos- 
soms are  numerous  and  produced  in  clusters ; the  fruit  is  of 
the  same  shape  and  nearly  as  large  as  the  Green  Gage,  but 
much  inferior  in  quality;  its  form  is  almost  round,  its  pedun- 
cle at  most  about  six  lines  in  length,  and  the  skin,  which  is  at 
first  of  a greenish  hue,  becomes  yellow  as  it  approaches  matu- 
rity ; the  flesh,  which  adheres  strongly  to  the  stone,  is  yellow- 
ish, quite  pleasant  but  not  very  rich,  and  is  deficient  in  flavour. 
This  plum  ripens  during  the  last  two  weeks  of  the  month  of 
August : the  tree  is  more  appreciated  for  the  beauty  of  its 
flowers  than  for  its  fruit,  and  it  is  therefore  better  suited  for 
pleasure  grounds  than  for  orchards.  1 have  noticed  that  the 
trees,  so  far  as  they  have  met  my  observation,  are  remarkable 
for  the  roughness  of  their  bark. 

SMALL  REINE  CLAUDE.  Pr.  cat. 

Small  Queen  Claude.  Pr.  cat.  26th  ed. 

Petite  Reine  Claude.  Duh.  Mil. 

Reine  Claude  blanche  petite  espece.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

Small  Green  Gage.  Auth. 

Little  Queen  Claudia.  Lillie  Reine  Claude. 

This  plum  is  of  the  same  size  and  form  as  tlie  White  Apri- 
cot plum ; it  diflers  princij)ally  from  that  in  having  its  skin 
speckled  over  with  reddish  dots,  more  especially  on  the  side 
exposed  to  the  sun  ; the  flesh  is  also  sweet  and  more  perfumed, 
but  is  nevertheless  far  from  being  equal  to  the  delicious  flavour 

VOL.  n.  7 


50 


PLUMS. 


of  the  true  Green  Gage.  The  fruit  ripens  during  the  latter 
part  of  August ; the  tree  is  of  very  thrifty  growth  and  soon 
attains  to  a large  size  ; the  young  shoots  are  much  longer  and 
more  slender  than  those  of  the  Green  Gage,  and  of  a darker 
red  on  the  sunny  side ; the  buds  are  long,  very  pointed,  and 
lie  almost  close  to  the  branch  ; the  shoulder  is  rather  large  ; 
the  leaves  are  of  smaller  size  than  those  of  the  Green  Gage, 
and  in  fact  the  trees  of  these  two  varieties  are  so  very  dissimi- 
lar in  their  general  appearance  as  to  render  it  almost  impossi- 
ble even  for  a casual  observer  to  mistake  them.  This  variety 
has  obtained  place  in  some  collections  under  the  name  of  the 
Red  Diaper,  it  having  been  disseminated  from  a nursery  by 
that  title,  without  a due  examination  of  its  fruit.  I have  re- 
cently received  a new  variety  of  this  plum  from  the  South  of 
France, 

• , PURPLE  GAGE.  Pr.  cat.  Pom.  mag. 

j T-  7 ? N.  Duh.  Bon.  Jard.  Nois  man. 

Re>»e  Claude  UoUtte.  ^ ^ond.  Hort.  cat.  ' 

Die  Violetie  Konigen  Claudie.  Sickler. 

This  fruit  is  almost  round,  and  seventeen  to  eighteen  lines 
in  diameter.  It  is  esteemed  in  France  to  be  one  of  the  finest 
varieties  ; the  tree  is  of  strong  and  vigorous  growth  and  seems 
to  flourish  exceedingly  in  our  climate.  I copy  the  following 
description  from  the  Pomological  Magazine : 

“ A blue  Gage  plum  has  been  long  known  and  little 
esteemed  in  our  gardens  ; it  is  the  Azure  Hative  of  the  French. 
As  the  Reine  Claude  is  the  Green  Gage  of  the  English,  it 
might  have  been  supposed  that  a Reine  Claude  Violette, 
would  have  been  the  same  as  this  Blue  Gage ; such,  how'ever, 
is  not  the  fact : the  fruit  now  figured  under  the  name  of  the 
Purple  Gage,  being  a variety  of  very  high  quality,  fully  equal 
to  the  Green  Gage  in  all  respects,  and  having  this  superiority, 
that  while  the  latter  is  apt  to  crack  in  wet  summers,  and  will 
never  keep  at  all  after  having  beeii  gathered,  this,  on  the  con- 
trary, will  endure,  if  the  climate  be  dry,  through  August  and 
September,  even  till  October  and  is  scarcely  at  all  disposed  to 
crack.  ^ 


PLUM«. 


51 


“The  origMi  of' the  variety  is  unknown  ; it  must,  however, 
be  recent,  as  it  is  not  mentioned  by  Duhamel,  or  any  of  the 
old  French  writers,  and  is  even  omitted  by  Noisette  in  his 
Jardin  Fruitier. 

“A  good  bearer  as  a standard,  ripening  in  August  and  Sep- 
tember. It  is  also  well  adapted  to  an  east  or  west  wall,  whero 
its  flavour  becomes  improved  ; wood  strong,  spreading,  short- 
jointed,  smooth,  brownish  violet  where  exposed  ; leaves  mid- 
dle-sized, oval  on  the  young  shoots,  obovate  on  the  spurs, 
doubly  and  somewhat  irregularly  serrated ; above  smooth, 
sliining,  deep  green  ; below  slightly  pubescent;  they  are 
darker  than  those  of  the  Green  Gage.  Petioles  firm,  half  an 
inch  to  an  inch  in  length,  with  globose  glands  near  the  base  of 
the  leaf ; flowers  middle-sized ; petals  roundish  oblong ; 
stamens  shorter  than  the  style  ; fruit,  except  in  colour,  very 
like  the  Green  Gage,  middle-sized,  roundish  oval,  somewhat 
flattened  at  the  ends;  suture  moderately  depressed  along  one 
side ; stalk  about  an  inch  long,  rather  thick ; skin  violet, 
powdered  with  a light  blue  bloom,  beneath  which  it  is  en- 
grained with  pale  yellow  dots ; flesh  greenish  amber,  rich, 
sugary,  and  strikingly  high  flavoured  ; stone  oval,  inclining  to 
ovate,  compressed.” 

BLUE  GAGE.  Pr.  cac.  Mil.  Lond.  hort.  cat. 

Azure  hative.  Poit.  et  Turp. 

This  fruit  is  of  a medium  size,  and  of  a roundish  form  ; the 
skin  is  of  a blue  colour  ; the  flesh  rather  rich  and  of  good 
flavour.  It  is  at  maturity  in  the  month  of  September.  It 
seems  uncertain  whether  Mr.  Coxe  refers  to  the  same  fruit  as 
described  here.  He  mentions  his  variety  as  having  been 
imported  from  France  ; but  as  there  is  no  plum  called  Gage  in 
that  country,  it  must  have  been  imported  under  some  other 
name. 

RED  GAGE.  Pr.  cat. 

This  is  a tree  of  the  most  thrifty  growth  and  produces  good 
crops : the  fruit  is  of  the  same  size  as  the  Green  Gage  and 


52 


PLUMS. 


closely  resembles  it  in  form  ; the  skin  is  of  a brick  red  colour, 
inclining  to  brown  ; the  flesh  is  rich  and  of  excellent  flavour. 
This  variety  was  originated  in  the  year  1790,  by  the  grandfa- 
ther of  the  author  from  the  seed  of  the  Green  Gage.  There 
are  several  varieties  of  the  Yellow  Gage,  which  produce  fruit 
of  an  excellent  quality. 

BLEEKER’S  GAGE.  Pr.  cat. 

BleeJeer^s  German  Gage.  Pr.  Hort. 

German,  or  Bleeker^s  Gage. 

This  plum  I received  from  Isaac  Denniston,  Esq.  of  Alba- 
ny ; he  states  that  it  was  raised  by  Mr.  Bleeker  of  that  city, 
about  the  year  1810,  from  seed  received  from  Germany.  It 
is  rich  and  finely  tasted,  about  two  thirds  as  large  as  the 
Washington,  and  of  similar  shape ; the  leaves  are,  however, 
much  smaller.  It  is  a great  bearer  and  fine  for  preserving; 
the  tree  is  of  veiy  vigorous  growth  and  luxuriant  appearance, 
and  the  fruit  ripens  about  the  middle  of  August. 

FROST  GAGE.  Pr.  cat. 

This  fruit  is  about  the  size  and  form  of  the  Green  Gage, 
and  of  a dark  purple  colour ; it  is  not  quite  as  sweet  as  the 
other  Gage  referred  to,  but  has  a more  sprightly  flavour,  and 
is  the  best  of  the  late  plums  found  in  our  markets.  It  ripens 
about  the  first  of  October,  and  quantities  have  been  sold  in 
the  New  York  market  as  late  as  the  tenth  of  that  month,  but 
as  these  were  from  a more  northern  locality,  they  probably 
were  a week  or  ten  days  later  at  maturity  than  they  would 
have  been  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  New  York.  The  tree 
is  of  thrift}^  growth  and  produces  abundantly.  It  is  a native 
of  this  State,  and  the  circumstance  of  its  ripening  after  nearly 
all  the  other  fine  varieties  are  past,  renders  it  a highly  valua- 
ble acquisition  to  our  assortment  of  plums. 

3IAITRE  CLAUDE.  Pr.  cat.  Laxg.  Mil.  Loxd.  hort. 

CAT.  For. 

This  fruit  is  of  large  size  and  round  form  ; the  skin  is  of  a 
bright  yellow  colour,  with  some  spots  of  dark  red  next  the  sun. 


PLUMS. 


53 


and  is  covered  with  a thin  white  bloom  ; the  flesh  is  pale  yel- 
low and  firm,  with  sweet  and  sprightly  juice,  and  separates 
from  the  stone.  This  plum  is  ranked  in  England  among  their 
best  white  varieties  ; it  ripens  in  September,  and  the  tree  is 
productive. 

WASHINGTON.  Pk.  cat.  Pr.  hort.  Pom.  mag. 


Lond.  hort.  cat. 


Bolmer^s  Washington,  Bolmore^s  Washington, 
Washington,  or  Bolmer,  New  Washington. 
Franklin,  Washington  Gage, 

ing  Nurseries  for 

i nty  years  past. 


This  tree  is  remarkable  for  the  size  and  vigour  of  its  shoots 
and  for  the  great  dimensions,  luxuriance,  and  beauty  of  its 
foliage,  which  presents  a striking  contrast  to  that  of  most  other 
plum  trees  ; the  buds  are  also  large  and  the  shoulder  particu- 
larly prominent : the  fruit  is  of  enormous  size,  and  its  form 
rather  more  round  than  oval ; it  is  not  surpassed  by  any  other 
variety  in  richness,  beauty,  or  exquisite  flavour,  and  in  its  ex- 
cellent qualities  assimilates  more  nearly  to  those  of  the  Green 
Gage  than  to  any  other  plum.  The  origin  of  this  fruit  is  in- 
volved in  some  obscurity ; the  title  here  adopted  is  of  but 
recent  application.  The  following  details,  from  the  pen  of 
Wm.  Prince,  senior  proprietor  of  the  Linnman  Botanic  Gar- 
den, may  prove  interesting: 

“Some  few  years  ago,  Mr.  Bolmer,  a merchant  of  New 
York,  finding  a tree  of  this  kind  in  his  garden,  and  deeming 
it  a new'  variety,  presented  some  scions  of  it  to  a number  of 
his  acquaintances,  from  one  of  whom  it  received  the  appella- 
tion of  Bolmer’s  Washington.  Its  extraordinary  size  and  fine 
Gage  flavour,  caused  it  to  attract  much  notice,  and  supposing 
it  to  be  a novelty,  I procured  a tree  myself,  for  w’hich  I paid 
three  dollars,  a price  at  whicli  they  w ere  readily  selling  at  the 
time  ; but  to  my  great  surprise,  when  its  foliage  and  fruit  were 
developed,  1 found  it  an  old  and  familiar  acquaintance,  which 
had  been  cultivated  in  the  Nurseries  at  Flushing  during  a long 


o4 


PLUMS. 


course  of  years,  under  the  title  of  “ Superior  Gage;”  and  of 
which  trees  of  the  thickness  of  a man’s  thigh  were  to  be  seen 
throughout  the  country,  and  particularly  in  the  garden  of  Mr. 
Van  Sinderen,  and  others  in  this  vicinity.  Mr.  James  Blood- 
good,  of  Flushing,  (since  deceased,)  also  made  the  same  dis- 
covery about  the  same  time.  In  the  year  1824,  happening  to 
be  on  a visit  at  Albany,  I was  again  surprised  to  meet  the 
same  plum  in  the  garden  of  Isaac  Denniston,  Esq.,  under 
the  name  of  the  “Double  Imperial  Gage.”  The  trees  in  his 
garden  w ere  of  very  large  size,  and  he  stated  that  he  had  ob- 
tained them  under  this  name  eighteen  years  before,  from  the 
vicinity  of  New  York  ; it  having  been  long  an  object  with  that 
gentleman,  wdio  is  distinguished  for  his  judgment  and  discri- 
mination of  fruits,  to  concentrate  the  most  valuable  varieties 
of  the  plum.  I have  taken  some  pains  to  ascertain  the  origin 
of  this  fruit,  and  particularly  whether  it  was  originally  brought 
from  Europe,  being  anxious  to  establish  the  native  country  of 
so  superior  a fruit,  and  I have  come  to  the  conclusion  that  it 
is  of  American  origin,  there  being  no  such  plum  described  in 
any  European  publication,  and  having  been  unable  to  trace  it 
farther  than  to  the  Nurseries  at  Flushing.  I will  mention  one 
circumstance  w^hich  may  throw'  some  light  upon  the  subject. 
It  has  always  been  the  custom  at  the  establishment  of  the  wri- 
ter, to  plant  annually  the  seeds  of  the  finest  fruits,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  originating  new  varieties;  and  about  the  year  1790, 
his  father  planted  the  stones  of  twenty  five  quarts  of  the  Green 
Gage  plum : they  produced  trees  w hich  3deld€d  fruit  of  every 
colour,  and  the  Red  Gage,  White  Gage,  Prince’s  Imperial 
Gage,  and  Prince’s  Green  Gage,  now  so  well  known  and  so 
liighly  esteemed,  form  part  of  the  progeny  of  the  seeds  then 
sow’n,  and  there  seems  a strong  presumptive  evidence  to  sup- 
pose that  the  Superior  Gage,  now  called  the  Washington,  was 
one  of  the  same  collection.  John  V.  Brevoort,  Esq.  so  well 
know'n  for  his  intelligence  and  for  his  care  in  making  investi- 
gations, also  stated  to  me,  some  3'ears  since,  that  he  had  satis- 
factorily traced  its  origin  to  Flushing.” 

The  following  instance  will  serve  to  show  the  productive- 


PLUMS. 


55 


ness  of  this  tree  and  the  size  of  the  fruit : A few  years  since,  a 
small  branch  with  twenty  four  plums  on  it,  was  sent  by  L. 
Richards,  Esq.  of  New- Jersey,  and  exhibited  to  the  New-York 
Horticultural  Society,  which  probably  presented  the  greatest 
weight  of  this  fruit  ever  produced  on  so  small  a twig,  the 
length  of  which  I think  was  but  twelve  inches.  Many  plums 
on  the  same  tree  measured  six  and  three  quarter  inches  round, 
and  in  one  or  more  instances,  w^eighed  four  and  a quarter 
ounces.  The  trees  cultivated  by  Mr.  Richards  are  called 
“ Superior  Gage,”  and  were  obtained  by  him  from  Flushing 
many  years  since,  under  that  title.  This  plum  is  found  also 
to  succeed  well  in  England ; and  the  following  details  in  re- 
gard to  it  I copy  from  the  Pomological  Magazine  : 

“ The  wood  is  pale  brown  on  a wall,  but  darker  on  a stan- 
dard ; when  young  very  slightly  pubescent ; leaves  oblong, 
very  large  and  shining,  with  a luxuriant  appearance  quite  un- 
known in  other  plums ; flowers  very  large,  white ; fruit,  from 
a wall,  one  and  three  fourths  of  an  inch  long  by  one  and  five 
eighths  of  an  inch  wide,  regularly  oval,  with  a very  obscure 
suture,  except  just  at  the  stalk,  where  it  is  rather  deep;  stalk 
inserted  in  a shallow  cavity,  three  fourths  of  an  inch  long, 
slightly  pubescent.  Before  being  cut,  agreeably  perfumed 
like  a Green  Gage  of  the  best  quality  ; skin  dull  yellow  broken 
a little  with  green,  assuming  an  orange  cast  on  the  sunny  side, 
with  a purplish  bloom,  and  more  or  less  mottled  with  crimson 
dots ; flesh  yellow,  firm,  very  sweet,  and  luscious,  separating 
freely  from  the  stone;  stone  oval,  acute  at  each  end,  wrinkled 
all  over,  and  nearly  even  at  the  edges.” 

RULING’S  SUPERB.  Pr.  cat.  Pr.  hort. 

Keyser^s  plum. 

This  plum  is  of  monstrous  size,  and  has  measured  six  and 
seven  eighths  inches  in  circumference,  and  weighed  nearly  or 
'quite  four  ounces.  It  is  of  a roundish  form,  and  a greenish 
yellow  colour  ; its  shape  and  appearance  bearing  an  affinity  to 
the  Gage  family,  from  the  seed  of  one  of  the  varieties  of  w hich 
it  no  doubt  originated ; the  flesh  is  sweet,  rich,  delicious,  and 


56 


PLUMS. 


of  very  fine  flavour,  and  the  fruit  has  been  pronounced  “ the 
first  in  rank  among  plumsy  It  seems  doubtful  which  w^ill 
attain  to  the  greatest  dimensions,  this  or  the  Washington 
plum  ; it  is  certain,  however,  that  these  two  and  the  Prince’s 
Imperial  Gage,  are  the  largest  and  most  delicious  varieties  of 
the  Gage  or  Reine  Claude  class,  which  are  known  either  in 
Europe  or  our  own  countrs^  This  tree  grows  with  great 
vigour,  and  the  leaves  are  extremely  large,  broad,  and  luxu- 
riant ; the  young  shoots  are  very  strong,  and  the  buds  are  par- 
ticularly large  and  prominent.  It  was  raised  from  the  seed 
by  Mr.  Keyser,  of  Pennsylvania,  but  was  brought  into  par- 
ticular notice  by  Dr.  Wm.  E.  Hidings  of  that  State,  a gen- 
tleman distinguished  as  much  for  his  zeal  and  perspicuity  in 
the  introduction  of  new  and  valuable  fruits  to  proper  notice, 
as  for  his  extreme  liberality  evinced  in  their  dissemination  to 
others. 


PRINCE’S  IMPERIAL  GAGE.  Pii.  cat. 

Prince’s  White  Gage.  Pr.  cat.  2()th  ed. 

Prince’s  Gage.  Pr.  Hort. 

By  way  of  distinguishing  the  present  variety  from  the  other 
Gage  plums,  which  are  now  so  numerous,  I have  adopted  the 
title  which  heads  this  article.  This  tree  w^as  originated  at  the 
Flushing  Nurser}^,  from  a seed  of  the  Green  Gage.  It  is  of 
more  rapid  and  vigorous  grow^th  than  any  other  of  its  class 
with  wdiich  I am  acquainted,  and  often  forms  shoots  of  seven 
to  eight  feet  in  height,  the  first  season,  from  the  graft.  It 
may  be  readily  distinguished  frorn  the  Washington,  by  the 
grow^th  of  the  young  shoots,  wdiich  attain  to  more  than  twice 
the  length  in  a season  that  they  do  on  that  variety ; the  buds 
are  also  of  much  smaller  size,  and  the  shoulder  of  the  bud 
does  not  project  in  that  striking  and  peculiar  manner  which 
distinguishes  the  Washington  and  Huling’s  Superb.  The  tree 
appears  to  be  the  most  productive  in  point  of  quantity  of  any 
of  the  large  Gage  varieties;  the  fruit  is  one  of  the  largest  of 
its  class,  and  second  only  in  size  to  the  Washington  and  Ru- 
lings’ Superb ; the  skin  is  a pale  green  previous  to  its  ripen- 


PLUMS. 


57 


ing,  but  becomes  at  full  maturity  of  a fine  yellow  colour,  dot- 
ted with  red  on  the  side  next  the  sun;  the  flesh  is  rich,  luscious, 
and  of  excellent  flavour.  In  addition  to  the  fruit  being  of  the 
finest  quality,  and  among  those  most  highly  esteemed  for  the 
table,  it  is  also  much  valued  for  making  preserves,  and  when 
used  for  this  purpose,  the  fruit  is  gathered  before  it  is  mature. 
It  ripens  the  latter  part  of  the  month  of  August.  Mr.  Samuel 
R.  Johnson,  of  Charlestown,  Massachusetts,  has  a tree  of  this 
kind  which  I sent  him,  from  which,  according  to  a statement 
published  in  the  New-England  Farmer,  he  has  sold  fruit  to 
the  amount  of  fifty  dollars  a year  for  three  years.  The  Wash- 
ington plum  is  sometimes  called  the  Imperial  Gage  at  Albany. 

YELLOW  EGG.  Pr.  cat.  Pr.  hort. 

Mogul.  White  Imperial.  > Coxe,and  ofmostAme- 

White  Magnum  honum.  Egg  plum.  J rican  collections. 

Dame  Auhert.  Grosse  luissante.  Duh.  For.  syn. 

Dame  Auhert.  Jard.  fruit.  Bon  Jard. 

Dame  Auhert  jaune,  of  some  French  catalogues. 

Dame  Auhert  grosse  luisante.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

Monsieur.  Tourn.  | Wentworth.  Lang.  Mil. 

Monsieur.  Wentworth.  For. 

Bonum  Magnum,  j White  Holland. 

White  Bonum  magnum.  Large  Yellow  Egg.  ) of  some  col- 

Ilick's  large  Egg  1 Young's  superior  Egg  7 ^ lections. 

This  is  ranked  by  Duhamel  as  the  largest  plum  then  in  the 
French  collections,  and  I have  seen  it  as  large  as  a hen’s  egg 
of  medium  size.  It  often  measures  two  and  a half  inches  in 
length,  and  in  some  instances  even  thirty-two  lines,  with  a 
diameter  of  twenty-two  to  twenty-three,  and  occasionally  of 
twenty-five  lines ; its  weight  is  frequently  three  ounces,  and 
those  of  the  very  largest  dimensions  even  weigh  four  ounces. 
The  peduncle  is  nine  to  ten  lines  long,  and  inserted  in  a 
shallow  cavity ; the  skin,  which  is  of  a fine  yellow  colour, 
scattered  over  with  numerous  greenish  dots,  is  not  very  tender  ; 
the  suture,  which  divides  the  fruit  on  one  side,  is  not  deep ; the 
flesh  is  yellowish,  and  rather  sweet,  with  but  little  flavour ; the 
stone,  which  adheres  to  the  flesh  until  it  is  very  ripe,  is  quite 
large  in  proportion  to  the  size  of  the  plum,  being  seventeen 

VOL*  II.  8 


58 


PLUMS. 


lines  long  and  nine  and  a half  broad.  This  fruit  ripens  at  the 
end  of  August  or  the  beginning  of  September ; it  cannot  be 
ranked  among  the  choice  varieties,  but  deserves  to  be  culti- 
vated on  account  of  its  beauty  and  its  enormous  size.  The 
tree  is  of  very  strong  and  vigorous  growth,  and  is  seldom  or 
never  attacked  by  the  insects  which  cause  large  knots  and 
excrescences  on  many  other  varieties.  It  is  very  productive, 
and  the  fruit  is  esteemed  for  making  preserves.  There  exists 
much  confusion  in  the  application  of  the  synonymes  of  this 
plum  and  the  White  Imperial ; for  while  this  is  the  kind  almost 
invariably  cultivated  in  our  gardens,  the  titles  which  belong  to 
that  variety  are  generally  applied  to  it.  Langley,  it  will  be 
perceived,  by  referring  to  the  synonymes,  calls  this  the  Went- 
worth plum,  and  he  remarks  that  its  form,  colour,  and  taste, 
are  exactly  the  same  as  the  Mogul,  (White  Imperial,)  but  that 
the  latter  cleaves  to  the  stone,  and  this  parts  freely  from  it,  on 
which  account  this  was  the  most  esteemed  for  preserves. 
There  are,  at  present,  several  varieties  of  this  plum,  producing 
red,  violet,  and  white  fruit. 


WHITE  IMPERIAL.  Pr.  cat.  Mil.  For. 


Imperial  hlanc.  Imperiale  blanche.  Duh. 
Imperiale  blanche.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 
Mogule.  White  Bonum  Magnum. 

White  Holland.  Dutch  plum. 

White  Imperial.  Bonum  Magnum. 

White  Holland.  Mogul,  or  Egg  plum 
White  Egg  plum. 


I Lang. 

u I 


Mil.  For. 


This  variety  has  been  supposed  by  many  to  be  synonymous 
with  the  Yellow  Egg,  but  they  are  described  as  distinct  by 
Duhamel,  Langley,  and  other  writers,  and  so  enumerated  in 
various  French  publications,  and  in  the  catalogues  of  their 
nurseries.  The  tree  is  of  very  vigorous  growth,  and  resem- 
bles the  Yellow  Egg  in  its  general  appearance.  The  fruit  is 
very  large,  of  the  form,  and  almost  of  the  size,  of  an  egg ; the 
skin  is  whitish,  or  a pale  yellow  ; the  flesh  is  whitish,  of  a firm  • 
consistence,  and  dry,  with  an  acid  and  unpleasant  flavour  ; the 
flesh  adheres  to  the  stone,  which  is  long  and  pointed.  This 


PLUMS. 


59 


plum  is  not  suitable  for  the  table  nor  for  prunes,  but  is  used 
for  preserves,  and  is  particularly  remarkable  on  account  of  its 
handsome  form  and  extremely  large  size.  It  ripens  in  Sep- 
tember, and  is  very  productive.  Miller  copies  his  description 
of  this  fruit  from  the  first  edition  of  Duhamel,  and  Forsyth 
from  the  new  edition  of  the  same  work,  notwithstanding  which 
it  is  more  than  probable  that  the  Yellow  Egg  is  the  fruit  that 
has  been  long  cultivated,  and  generally  known  in  England 
under  the  titles  they  give  for  this  variety,  as  this  is  much  the 
most  rare  in  gardens  and  nurseries,  and  indeed  but  seldom  to 
be  met  with,  while  the  Yellow  Egg  is  found  in  almost  every 
collection. 

YELLOW  IMPERIAL.  Auth. 

Imperial  jaune.  Imperial  e jaune.  Duh.  Calvel. 

This  fruit  is  nearly  as  large  as  a small  sized  egg  of  the 
common  fowl ; the  skin  is  yellow  and  of  rather  a deeper  shade 
next  the  sun  than  on  the  other  side;  the  flesh  is  yellowish, 
sweet,  with  a small  degree  of  acidity,  and  separates  readily 
from  the  stone.  This  Plum  ripens  the  middle  of  August. 

TOMLINSON’S  CHARLOTTE.  Pk.  cat.  Pr.  hort. 

Charlotte^ 

This  variety  1 received  from  my  friend,  Judge  Tomlinson ; 
it  was  originated  by  him  from  the  seed  of  the  Yellow  Egg 
plum,  and  he  gave  it  the  name  of  Charlotte,  after  a lady  of 
Schenectady,  to  which  I have  subjoined  his  cognomen.  It  is 
an  early  yellow  fruit,  of  the  shape  of  its  parent,  but  different 
in  quality,  being  sweet  and  agreeable  in  flavour,  and  better 
calculated  for  the  table.  It  ripens  about  the  middle  of  August. 
The  growth  of  the  tree  is  exceedingly  vigorous,  and  perhaps 
not  exceeded  by  any  other  of  its  class. 

IMPERIAL  VIOLET.  Pr.  cat.  Duh.  Coxe. 

Purple  Egg.  Pr.  Ilort.  Pr.  cat.  26th  ed. 

Imperiale  violetle.  Duh.  syn.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

Prune-cRuf.  Prune  (Veeuf.  | Imperiale.  Mil. 

Red  Imperial.  Red  Bonum  Magnum.  Mil.  For. 

Large  Orlean. 

This  is  a beautiful  fruit,  of  oval  form,  nineteen  to  twenty 
lines  long,  and  fifteen  to  sixteen  in  diameter ; it  is  divided  on 


60 


PLUMS. 


one  side  for  its  whole  length  by  a very  conspicuous  suture ; 
the  peduncle  is  slender,  nine  to  ten  lines  long,  and  inserted 
in  a small  and  rather  deep  cavity ; the  skin  is  a pale  violet, 
covered  with  bloom,  rather  tough,  and  does  not  separate 
readily  from  the  flesh,  which  is  of  a whitish  green  colour,  firm, 
sweet,  and  of  a rich  taste ; it  does  not  adhere  to  the  stone, 
which  is  ten  lines  long  and  six  broad.  Duhamel  says  this 
fruit  ripens  at  Paris  the  end  of  August,  and  that  it  is  subject 
to  be  wormy  when  the  tree  is  planted  in  strong  and  cold  soils. 
I received  this  plum  from  Scotland,  under  the  name  of  Red 
Imperial.  Most  of  the  trees  cultivated  in  American  gardens 
for  this  variety,  are  the  Blue  Imperatrice,  which  is  a much 
smaller  fruit. 


IMPERIAL  VIOLET,  with  variegated  leaves.  Pr.  cat. 

Imperiale  violette  a feuilles  panachees,  Duh. 

This  variety  is  distinguished  by  its  leaves,  which  are  varie- 
gated with  white  and  green,  and  thereby  rendered  quite  orna- 
mental. The  fruit  is  generally  deformed,  and  half  blighted, 
for  which  reason  Duhamel  recommends  it  to  be  planted  in 
gardens  for  ornament,  rather  than  in  orchards. 


BLUE  IMPERATRICE.  Pr.  cat. 


Imperatrice. 


Mil.  Hook.  Pom.  Pr.  Hort. 

Load.  Hort.  cat.  Pom.  Mag. 

Red  Magnum  honum,  or  Red  Imperial,  Coxe, 
Imperatrice  violette.  Duh.  | Prune  d^Altesse  ? 
Violet  Empress.  \ Empress.  \ Late  Red  Imperial . 
SmitEs  large  October  1 


This  tree  is  one  of  the  most  flourishing  varieties  cultivated 
in  this  vicinity  ; the  fruit  is  of  fine  appearance,  twenty  lines  in 
length  and  fifteen  in  its  greatest  diameter.  The  description 
given  in  the  Pomological  Magazine  being  very  precise,!  insert 


it  here. 


“Well  known  as  one  of  the  best  of  our  plums,  for  keeping 
late  in  the  season.  Its  usual  period  of  ripening  is  in  September, 
when  it  begins  to  shrivel,  and  will  then  keep,  if  well  managed, 
till  the  middle  of  December,  its  flavour  continuing  to  improve. 


PLUMS. 


61 


It  requires  to  be  cultivated  (in  England)  on  an  east  or  west 
wall,  when  it  is  a great  and  certain  bearer.  Some  doubt  has 
been  expressed  of  the  identity  of  the  English  Imperatrice  and 
that  of  Duhamel,  but  we  see  no  reason  to  believe  they  are 
different;  branches  long  and  slender,  with  blunt,  flattened 
eyes,  and  very  smooth  bark ; the  lateral  shoots  are  produced 
at  nearly  right  angles  with  the  main  shoots ; leaves  middle- 
sized,  pointed  at  each  end,  finely  toothed,  closely  downy; 
flowers  small ; fruit  oblong,  blunt  at  each  end,  but  tapering 
rather  more  to  the  base  than  to  the  apex ; foot-stalks  rather 
less  than  three-fourths  of  an  inch  long ; skin  rich  deep  purple, 
covered  over  with  a thick  bloom,  which  is  more  copious  than 
on  any  plum  in  Covent  Garden  Market ; flesh  firm,  yellowish 
green,  rather  dry,  but  exceedingly  sweet  and  rich.” 

Coxe  appears  to  refer  to  this  fruit  in  his  description  under 
the  head  of  Red  Magnum  Bonum,  or  Red  Imperial. 

WHITE  IMPERATRICE.  Pom.  mag.  For.  Lond.  hort.  cat. 

Imperatrice  blanche.  Duh. 

Die  Weisse  Kaiserpjiaume.  Kraft.  Pom.  Aust. 

This  plum  is  eighteen  lines  in  length,  and  sixteen  in  diame- 
ter ; the  peduncle  is  four  to  six  lines  long,  and  inserted  in  a 
shallow  but  quite  distinct  depression  ; the  side  which  is  divided 
by  the  suture  is  somewhat  flattened,  as  well  as  the  extremity 
of  the  fruit,  upon  which  a slight  cavity  is  observable ; the 
flesh,  which  is  a pale  yellow  as  well  as  the  skin,  is  of  a rather 
firm  consistence,  and  of  a sweet,  perfumed,  and  agreeable 
flavour ; it  does  not  adhere  to  the  stone,  which  has  a somewhat 
rough  surface.  The  fruit  ripens  at  the  end  of  August  or 
beginning  of  September. 

The  following  additional  details  I extract  from  the  Porno- 
logical  Magazine : 

“ A handsome  and  useful  plum,  but  very  different  from  the 
Blue  Imperatrice,  to  the  name  of  which  it  has  little  title.  It 
does  not  shrivel,  or  keep  well.  Leaves  rather  larger  than 
those  of  the  common  Imperatrice,  and  more  shhiing ; flowers 
somewhat  smaller;  fruit  middle-sized,  oval,  with  an  indistinct 


62 


IPLUMS. 


furrow  on  one  side,  very  blunt  at  each  end ; foot-stalk  short, 
in  a narrow  cavity ; skin  bright  yellowish  ochre  colour,  with 
a slight  evanescent  bloom ; flesh  firm,  juicy,  sweet,  abundant, 
and  rather  more  transparent  than  that  of  most  plums. 

MONSIEUR.  Pr.  cat.  Duh.  Mil.  For.  Lond.  hort.  cat. 

Late  Monsieur.  Pr.  cat.,  26th  ed. 

Monsieur,  of  the  French  collections  generally. 

Prune  de  Monsieur.  Duh.  Mil. 

Monsieur  ordinaire.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

This  variety  is  the  one  which  is  the  most  extensively  known 
under  the  title  of  Monsieur  ; it  is  however  very  difierent  from 
the  Monsieur  or  Wentworth  of  the  English.  The  plum  is  not 
perfectly  round,  being  sixteen  lines  in  length,  and  eighteen  in 
diameter  ; the  peduncle  is  large,  seven  lines  long,  and  inserted 
in  a rather  deep  cavity,  from  which  a very' conspicuous  suture 
extends  to  the  extremity  of  the  fruit,  and  divides  it  into  two 
* parts  ; the  skin  is  purple  with  a moderate  degree  of  bloom  ; the 
flesh  is  yellowish,  melting,  and  rather  high  flavoured,  provided 
the  tree  is  in  an  elevated,  dry,  and  warm  soil ; inferior  in  point 
of  flavour,  when  it  is  in  a low  or  wet  location.  The  stone  is 
somewhat  rough,  and  does  not  adhere  to  the  flesh  ; it  is  seven 
lines  long,  and  of  the  same  breadth.  This  plum  ripens  at  the 
end  of  July ; the  tree  is  of  strong  and  vigorous  growth,  the 
crops  are  very  abundant,  and  it  is  very  extensively  cultivated 
in  the  orchards  and  gardens  of  France,  where  it  is  highly  ap- 
preciated. Tournefort  gives  the  title  of  Monsieur  to  a yellow 
plum,  wdiich  is  consequently  a difierent  variety  from  this,  and 
Duhamel  states  that  he  does  not  know  what  variety  he  could 
have  referred  to,  unless  it  be  the  Yellow'  Egg,  {Dame  Aubert 
jaune.)  The  character  he  gives,  “Prunus  fructu  ovato,  max- 
ima, flavo,”  accords  with  that  variety. 

EARLY  MONSIEUR.  Pr.  cat. 

Monsieur  hatif.  Duh.  Lond  Hort.  cat.  | Monsieur  hative. 

This  fruit  is  nearly  round,  seventeen  lines  long,  and  the 
same  in  diameter  at  the  largest  part,  and  a line  less  at  the 


PLUMS. 


63 


smallest  section ; the  suture  is  not  deep ; the  peduncle  is  only 
four  to  five  lines  in  length,  inserted  in  a narrow  but  rather 
deep  cavity  ; the  skin  is  of  a fine  purple  colour  next  the  sun, 
paler,  and  inclining  to  a reddish  hue,  on  the  side  that  is 
shaded ; the  flesh  is  yellowish  green,  somewhat  firm,  mode- 
rately melting,  and  of  a rather  pleasant  flavour ; the  stone 
separates  readily  from  it,  and  is  nine  lines  long  and  six  in 
breadth.  This  plum  greatly  resembles  the  preceding  one,  but 
ripens  about  two  weeks  sooner. 

SURPASSE  MONSIEUR,  Pr.  cat.  Bon.  Jard. 

This  fruit  originated  at  Paris,  from  the  seed  of  the  Mon- 
sieur, which  is  an  esteemed  French  variety.  It  is  of  beautiful 
appearance,  and  more  perfumed  than  its  parent,  and  of  ex- 
cellent quality.  The  tree  is  productive,  and  the  fruit  is  at 
maturity  in  August. 


SWISS.  Pr.  cat. 

Prune  Suisse.  Duh.  Loud.  Hort.  cat. 

Prune  de  Monsieur  tardive.  Duh.  syn. 

Prune  Suisse,  or  Swiss  plum.  Coxe. 

Monsieur  tardive.  Altesse.  Bon.  Jard. 

This  plum  is  flattened  at  the  extremity ; its  diameter  is 
greater  than  its  length,  the  former  measuring  more  than  six- 
teen lines,  and  the  latter  but  fourteen  ; the  peduncle  is  six 
lines  long,  and  inserted  in  a slight  cavity ; the  skin  is  purple, 
covered  with  bloom,  rather  tough,  but  separates  pretty  easily ; 
the  flesh  is  greenish,  melting,  full  of  very  sweet  juice,  which  is 
rich,  and  of  a very  pleasant  flavour ; the  stone  adheres  to  the 
flesh,  it  is  nine  lines  in  length,  seven  in  breadth,  and  has  on 
each  side  a sort  of  projecting  ridge.  This  fruit  begins  to 
ripen  at  the  end  of  August,  or  early  in  September,  and  con- 
tinues during  the  whole  of  the  latter  month.  It  is  one  of  the 
finest  kinds  known,  and  is  very  superior  to  the  Monsieur,  with 
which  some  compare  it.  The  tree  is  productive,  although  the 
flowers  are  in  general  produced  singly. 


64 


PLUMS. 


EARLY  TOURS.  Pr.  cat. 

Precoce  de  Tours,  Duh.  Lend.  Hort.  cat. 

Prune  de  la  Madeleine.  Duh.  syn. 

Prune  noire  hative. 

This  fruit  is  perfectly  oval,  and  very  round  in  its  cir- 
cumference ; it  is  thirteen  to  fourteen  lines  in  length,  and 
about  two  lines  less  in  diameter ; the  suture,  which  runs  pa- 
rallel with  the  end  of  the  stone,  is  scarcely  apparent;  the 
peduncle  is  slender,  six  lines  long,  and  inserted  in  a very 
small  cavity ; the  skin  is  a very  dark  purple,  covered  with 
bloom,  rather  tough,  slightly  bitter,  and  strongly  adheres  to 
the  flesh,  which  is  pale  green,  approaching  to  yellow,  mode- 
rately melting,  partially  sweet,  and  of  rather  pleasant  flavour, 
and  even  somew^hat  perfumed  when  the  tree  is  planted  in  a 
dry  and  warm  soil.  The  plum  ripens  the  beginning  of  July, 
and  is  one  of  the  best  early  varieties. 

ROYAL  TOURS.  Pr.  cat. 

Royal  de  Tours.  Royale  de  Tours.  Duh. 

Royale  de  Tours.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

This  plum  is  nearly  of  the  same  colour,  form,  and  size,  as 
the  Early  Monsieur;  its  diameter  and  length  are  the  same, 
it  being  eighteen  lines  in  each  direction ; the  suture  is  very 
conspicuous,  although  not  deep ; and  the  extremity  of  the 
fruit  is  somewhat  flattened,  or  even  depressed;  the  skin  is  very 
much  covered  with  bloom,  and  of  a rather  pale  purple  colour 
next  the  sun ; it  is  speckled  with  bright  yellow  dots,  and  rather 
reddish  than  purple,  on  the  shaded  side ; the  flesh  is  greenish 
yellow,  sweet,  rich,  more  melting,  and  superior  to  that  of  the 
Early  Monsieur;  it  adheres  to  the  stone,  which  is  very  flat 
and  rough,  ten  lines  long,  and  eight  broad.  This  fruit  attains 
its  maturity  at  the  end  of  July;  the  tree  is  very  vigorous,  and 
generally  yields  abundant  crops. 

WHITE  PERDRIGON.  Pr.  cat.  Mil.  Lond.  hort.  cat. 

Perdrigon  hlanc.  Duh. 

This  plum  is  fifteen  and  a half  lines  long,  and  fourteen  and 
a half  in  diameter,  and  is  rather  smaller  at  the  base  than  at  the 


PLUMS. 


65 


extremity ; the  peduncle  is  slender,  eight  lines  in  length,  and 
inserted  nearly  even  with  the  surface  of  the  fruit;  the  skin 
is  a greenish  white,  covered  with  a profusion  of  bloom,  and 
speckled  with  red  next  the  sun ; the  flesh  is  greenish  rather 
than  white,  somewhat  firm,  melting,  perfumed,  and  so  swee; 
that  when  the  fruit  is  very  ripe,  it  has  the  same  taste  as  if  k 
was  preserved ; the  stone  is  seven  lines  long  and  five  broad, 
and  does  not  adhere  to  the  flesh.  This  fruit  ripens  at  the 
beginning  of  September ; it  is  excellent  for  the  table,  and  in 
France  they  make  fine  prunes  of  it.  Duhamel  states  that  the 
tree  is  subject  to  a blight  of  the  blossoms,  and  therefore 
recommends  that  it  be  trained  as  the  espalier.  There  is  a 
variegated  variety  of  this  plum,  which  I have  received  from 
France. 

EARLY  PERDRIGON.  Pr.  cat. 

Perdrigon  hatif.  Perdrigon  hative.  N.  Duh. 

Perdrigon  hatif.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

This  plum,  which  is  borne  on  a peduncle  eight  lines  in 
length,  is  of  a perfectly  ovate  form,  and  fifteen  lines  long 
by  eleven  in  diameter.  The  skin  is  of  a violet  colour,  co- 
vered with  a bloom,  which  gives  it  a grayish  appearance  ; the 
flesh  is  greenish,  melting,  juicy,  and  acid  before  its  maturity  ; 
afterwards  it  retains  but  little  flavour,  and  even  becomes  flat 
and  insipid.  This  fruit  ripens  about  the  middle  of  July,  but 
as  it  is  firmly  attached  to  the  peduncle,  and  that  adheres 
strongly  to  the  branch,  the  plums  become  half  dried  upon  the 
tree  yet  far  however  from  becoming  better  in  that  state,  they 
acquire  on  the  contrary  a rather  disagreeable  taste. 

NORMAN  PERDRIGON.  Pr.  cat. 

Perdrigon  Normand.  Duh.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

This  plum  is  one  of  the  best  F rench  varieties,  and  among  tiiose 
which  are  coloured,  the  Purple  Gage  is  the  only  one  that  can 
be  compared  to  it.  The  fruit  is  nearly  round,  but  somewhat 
diminished  at  the  base ; it  is  eighteen  lines  or  more  in  length, 
and  the  same  at  its  greatest  diameter,  but  only  seventeen  at  its 

VOL.  II.  q 


6G 


PLUMS. 


smallest  part ; being  somewhat  compressed  in  the  direction  of 
the  suture,  which  is  very  shallow.  The  penduncle  is  nine 
lines  long,  and  inserted  in  a slight  cavity,  scarcely  apparent ; 
the  skin  is  a light  purple,  with  considerable  bloom,  and  marked 
with  fawn  coloured  dots;  the  flesh  is  yellowish,  melting, 
abounding  in  juice,  and  of  a bland,  sweet  and  very  pleasant 
flavour ; it  adheres  strongly  to  the  stone,  which  is  ten  lines 
long,  and  somewhat  more  than  seven  broad ; it  is  rather 
smooth  on  both  sides;  one  of  its  edges  has  a deep  grove,  but 
the  other  projects  considerably.  This  variety  is  yet  rare  in 
the  vicinity  of  Paris,  and  it  is  but  a few  years  since  it  was  in- 
troduced to  our  country.  Duhamel  remarks  that  it  merits  ex- 
tensive cultivation  on  account  of  the  great  excellence  of  its 
fruit,  which  is  at  maturity  the  end  of  August. 


VIOLET  PERDRIGON.  Auth. 

Perclrigon  violet.  Duh.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

Violet,  or  Blue  Perdrigon.  Mil.  For. 

This  plum  is  supported  by  a peduncle  eight  or  nine  lines  in 
length,  which  is  inserted  in  a slight  cavity;  its  form  is  not 
perfectly  round,  being  somewhat  contracted  at  the  base  ; it  is 
seventeen  to  eighteen  lines  in  length,  and  a line  less  in  diame- 
ter ; the  skin  is  purple,  marked  wath  fawn  coloured  dots  and  co- 
vered with  bloom ; it  is  unfortunately  very  tough,  which  pre- 
vents its  being  eaten  with  the  fruit,  as  is  usually  the  case  with 
most  other  plums  ; the  flesh  is  greenish,  partially  melting,  and 
moderately  sweet  and  rich  ; it  adheres  to  the  stone,  which  is 
very  fiat  and  small  in  comparison  with  the  fruit.  This  plum 
may  be  ranked  among  the  choice  yarieties ; it  ripens  about 
the  middle  of  August.  I have  received  from  France  the  Vio- 
let Perdrigon,  of  Provence,  and  the  Violet  Perdrigon,  of 
Thoulouse,  but  am  not  aware  to  which  the  above  description 
of  Duhamel  refers,  or  whether  they  may  not  be  both  distinct 
Rom  the  one  here  described. 


PLUMS. 


07 


RED  PERDRIGON.  Pr.  cat.  For.  Coxe. 

Perdrigon  rouge.  Duh.  Lond.  Ilort.  cat. 

This  fruit  is  nearly  ovate,  very  round  in  its  circumference, 
and  devoid  of  any  apparent  suture ; it  is  fifteen  to  sixteen 
lines  in  length,  and  fourteen  to  fifteen  in  diameter,  and  sup- 
ported on  a peduncle  eight  or  nine  lines  long,  which  is  in- 
serted in  a very  small  cavity ; the  skin  is  of  a very  red  colour, 
approaching  somewhat  to  violet,  covered  with  bloom,  and 
marked  with  very  small  fawn  coloured  dots  ; the  flesh,  which 
is  light  yellow  on  the  sunny  side  and  greenish  on  the  other,  is 
somewhat  firm,  very  sweet,  rich  and  separates  easily  from  the 
stone,  which  has  a very  wide  and  deep  groove  on  one  of  its 
edges.  This  is  an  excellent  plum,  and  does  not  ripen  until 
September.  The  tree  is  more  fruitful  and  the  blossoms  are 
less  subject  to  blight  than  those  of  the  two  preceding  varieties. 
I presume  Coxe  refers  to  this  plum  in  his  description,  although 
he  varies  from  its  true  character  in  some  particular  points. 

BRIGNOLE.  Pr.  cat.  Duh.  Mil.  Calvel.  Loxd.  ri:nir, 

CAT. 

Perdrigon  de  Brignole  7 

This  plum  takes  its  name  from  the  town  of  Brignole,  in 
France,  in  the  neighbourhood  of  which  it  is  very  extensively 
cultivated  for  the  purpose  of  making  those  excellent  prunes 
known  under  the  same  title,  and  which  are  exported  to  every 
part  of  Europe.  Duhamel  confounds  this  variety  with  the 
White  Perdrigon,  but  it  diflers  from  it  in  several  respects; 
the  fruit  is  of  larger  size,  the  skin  less  tough,  and  tlie  flesh  is 
yellow  and  not  of  a greenish  white  hue.  It  ripens  in  the  south 
of  France  about  the  middle  of  August.  There  are  two  va- 
rieties of  this  plum. 

ORLEANS.  Pr.  cat.  Laxc.  Mil.  For.  Loxd.  IIokt.  cat. 

Coxe. 

Old  Orleans.  Red  Damask.  English  Orleans. 

Common  Orleans.  Red  Orleans.  Large  red  Orleans. 

The  fruit  is  round  and  of  medium  size ; the  skin  is  of  a deep 
red  colour  mingled  with  violet  next  the  sun,  and  of  a more 


GS 


PLUMS. 


clear  red  on  the  shaded  side;  it  has  a partial  bloom  ; the  flesh 
is  pale  yellow,  juicy,  of  good  flavour,  and  separates  freely 
from  the  stone ; one  side  of  the  fruit  is  marked  by  a suture 
which  runs  from  the  base  to  the  extremity.  The  tree  produces 
abundantly,  and  the  fruit  ripens  in  August.  Miller  and  other 
writers  consider  this  an  indifferent  fruit ; and  it  is  in  fact  but 
secondary  in  point  of  quality,  its  great  merit  being  the  abun- 
dance of  its  crops. 

SMITH’S  ORLEANS.  Pr.  cat.  Pr.  Hort.  Loxd.  Hort. 

CAT. 

Smith’s  large  Orleans. 

This  is  one  of  the  most  vigorous  and  flourishing  trees  that 
is  cultivated  in  our  gardens.  I once  measured  a shoot  which 
had  grown  ten  feet  the  first  season  from  the  graft,  and  growths 
of  seven  and  eight  feet  are  very  frequently  met  with.  It  is 
much  less  subject  to  the  attacks  of  the  insect  which  causes 
excrescences  and  knots  to  be  formed  on  plum  trees,  than  many 
other  varieties.  The  fruit  is  round,  with  a deep  suture  on 
one  side  ; the  skin  is  of  a reddish  purple  colour ; the  flesh  is 
sweet,  with  a partial  acidity,  of  a pleasant  sprightly  flavour, 
and  separates  freely  from  the  stone.  It  ripens  in  the  month 
of  September. 

VvTLMOT’S  EARLY  ORLEANS.  Pr.  cat.  For. 

Lois'd.  Hort.  trans. 

Wilmot’s  large  Orleans. 

This  plum  is  of  medium  size  and  round  form,  with  a suture 
running  through  one  side ; the  skin  is  of  a dark  purplish 
hue  on  the  sunny  side,  covered  with  a fine  bloom ; the 
flesh  is  greenish  3^ellow,  v/ith  a tinge  of  amber  when  fully 
ripe ; it  is  more  soft  and  juicy  than  the  Old  Orleans,  and  of 
excellent  flavour,  it  being  sweet  combined  with  a pleasant 
degree  of  acidit}" ; it  separates  readily  from  the  stone,  which 
is  of  small  size.  The  fruit  ripens  two  to  three  weeks  before 
the  Old  Orleans,  and  about  as  soon  as  the  Morocco  and  Early 
Tours  plunis. 


PLUMS. 


69 


WHITE  DIAPER.  Pr.  cat. 

Diapre  hJanc.  Duh. 

Diapr^e  blanche,  Duh.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

This  plum  is  fifteen  lines  in  length,  and  eleven  in  diameter  ; 

It  is  perfectly  round,  without  any  suture,  and  with  simply  a 
green  line  running  from  the  base  to  the  extremity ; the  pe- 
duncle is  four  to  five  lines  long,  and  inserted  even  with  the 
surface  of  the  fruit ; the  skin  is  a whitish  green,  covered  with 
a bloom,  and  somewhat  tough  : the  flesh  is  rather  firm,  of  a 
very  pale  yellow  hue,  and  of  sweet  and  rich  flavour  ; the 
stone  is  about  nine  lines  in  length,  four  in  breadth,  and  two 
and  a half  in  thickness.  The  fruit  is  at  maturity  the  end  of 
August  or  beginning  of  September. 

RED  DIAPER.  Pr.  cat. 

Diapree  rouge.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

Diapr6  rouge.  Diapree  rouge.  Duh.  Mil. 

Roche  Cor  bon.  Duh.  syn.  Mil. 

Roche  Courbon. 

This  is  one  of  the  most  beautiful  plums,  but  its  quality  does 
\iot  respond  to  its  fine  appearance ; it  is  of  oval  form,  com- 
monly swollen  at  the  extremity,  and  contracted  at  its  base, 
which  renders  it  nearly  of  the  form  of  a pear.  Duhamel  him- 
self appears  not  to  have  seen  this  fruit  when  at  its  greatest 
size,  as  he  allows  it  to  be  but  eighteen  lines  in  length.  The 
editors  of  the  New  Duhamel  remark,  that  they  have  never 
seen  any  of  such  small  dimensions,  and  that  the  largest  they 
had  measured  were  two  inches  long  and  twenty-one  lines  in 
diameter  at  the  largest  section,  and  nineteen  at  the  smallest 
part;  the  peduncle  is  ten  to  thirteen  lines  in  length  ; the  skin 
is  red  and  nearly  of  a cherry  colour,  with  a partial  degree  of 
bloom,  and  speckled  with  dots  of  a deeper  red  ; the  flesli  is  of 
a very  pale  green  or  whitish  hue,  and  slightly  adheres  to  the 
stone  ; it  is  at  first  rather  firm,  without  any  very  pleasant  taste, 
and  becomes  at  full  maturity  soft  and  sweetish,  but  devoid  of 
flavour.  The  stone  is  eleven  lines  to  an  inch  in  length,  and 


70 


PLUMS. 


seven  in  breadth.  This ‘plum  ripens  at  the  end  of  August  or 
beginning  of  September ; it  is  used  for  making  prunes  which 
are  far  superior  to  the  fruit  in  its  natural  state.  It  is  rarely 
met  with  in  our  American  collections,  and  in  some  cases  a 
different  sort  is  cultivated  under  the  same  name.  I obtained 
from  one  of  the  nurseries  a tree  for  this  kind,  that  proved  to 
be  the  Little  Reine  Claude,  which  is  a small  green  plum. 

VIOLET  DIAPER.  Pr.  cat. 

Dia/pr^  violet,  Diaprie  violette.  Duh. 

Diapr^e  violette,  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

This  plum  is  perfectly  oval,  seventeen  lines  in  length, 
eleven  and  a half  in  its  greatest  diameter,  and  six  in  its  smallest 
section  ; the  peduncle  is  at  most  six  lines  long,  and  inserted  in 
a cavity  scarcely  apparent ; the  sutitre,  which  is  parallel  with 
the  edge  of  the  stone,  is  only  distinguished  by  a line  of  a 
darker  colour ; the  skin  is  a dark  violet  covered  with  bloom, 
and  marked  with  very  small  dots  of  a lighter  shade ; the  flesh 
is  yellowish  green,  rather  firm,  without  much  juice,  but  of  a 
sweet  and  pleasant  flavour;  it  does  not  adhere  to  the  stone, 
which  is  much  compressed,  and  terminated  by  a very  acute 
point.  This  fruit  ripens  during  the  first  days  in  August,  and 
may  be  ranked  in  the  class  of  fine  plums  for  the  table  ; it  also 
makes  excellent  prunes.  The  tree  produces  annually  a mul- 
titude of  blossoms,  and  almost  invariably  an  abundance  of 
fruit. 


EARLY  APRICOT  PLUM.  Auth. 

Abricote  katif.  AhricoUe  Jiative,  N.  Duh. 

This  is  a very  beautiful  fruit,  but  its  quality  does  not  re- 
spond to  its  appearance  ; it  is  twenty-one  to  twenty-two  lines 
in  length,  and  the  same  in  diameter ; the  suture  is  shallow, 
but  rather  broad ; the  peduncle  is  six  lines  long,  and  inserted 
in  a distinct  cavity  ; the  skin,  wdiere  shaded,  is  a very  pale  red, 
almost  greenish,  but  next  to  the  sun  it  is  of  a rather  darker 
hue,  and  marked  all  over  with  small  dots,  which  do  not  vary 
much  from  the  colour  of  the  rest  of  the  skin,  but  are  never- 


PLUMS. 


71 


theless  very  apparent ; the  flesh  is  of  a pale  yellowish  green, 
rather  firm,  moderately  juicy, .slightly  acid,  and  adheres  closely 
to  the  stone,  which  is  oval  and  much  compressed.  This  plum 
ripens  during  the  month  of  July,  and  the  tree  seldom  yields  a 
large  crop. 


WHITE  APRICOT  PLUM.  Pk.  cat. 

Ahricote  blanc.  AhricoUe  blanche.  N.  Duh. 

Abricotee  blanche.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

This  fruit  is  rather  larger  than  the  Late  White  Damson, 
but  not  of  equal  quality ; it  is  fifteen  lines  long,  the  same  in 
diameter  at  its  largest  section,  and  thirteen  to  fourteen  at  the 
smallest  part ; the  peduncle  is  four  lines  in  length  ; the  skin  is 
at  first  of  a greenish  white  hue,  but  changes  to  yellow  when 
very  ripe  ; the  flesh  before  it  is  perfectly  mature  is  rather 
firm,  and  its  flavour  slightly  acid,  but  when  in  perfection  it 
becomes  more  pleasant.  The  stone  is  very  flat,  rather  rough 
and  separates  readily  from  the  flesh.  This  plum  ripens  about 
the  middle  of  August. 

APRICOT  PLUM,  OF  TOURS.  Auth. 

AbricoU  de  Tours.  AhricoUe  de  Tours.  Duh. 

AbricoUe.  Jard.  fruit.  Bon  Jard. 

This  plum  is  of  larger  size  and  superior  in  quality  to  the  pre- 
ceding one,  its  diameter  exceeds  its  length  and  measures 
eighteen  lines,  while  the  latter  is  but  sixteen  or  seventeen. 
The  peduncle  is  short,  and  inserted  nearly  even  with  the  sur- 
face of  the  fruit,  in  a very  small  cavity  ; the  suture,  which  runs 
parallel  with  the  edge  of  the  stone,  is  broad  and  deep,  especi- 
ally tow  ards  the  extremity  of  the  fruit,  where  it  terminates  in 
a small  depression  ; the  skin  is  whitish  green  on  the  shaded 
side,  and  marked  with  red  next  the  sun  ; the  flesh  is  firm,  yel- 
low, musky,  and  quite  pleasant,  but  possesses,  even  wiien  per- 
fectly ripe,  a slight  acidity,  which  it  no  doubt  derives  from  its 
skin,  which  is  sourish  and  tough  ; it  docs  not  adhere  to  the 
stone.  This  plum  ripens  at  the  beginning  of  September,  and 


72 


PLUMS. 


is  an  excellent  fruit.  There  is  another  fine  variety  much  cul- 
tivated and  esteemed,  which  is  called  Yellow  Apricot  Plum. 

RED  APRICOT  PLUM.  Pr.  cat. 

Ahricot6  rouge,  N.  Duh.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

* This  plum  is  eighteen  to  nineteen  lines  in  length,  and  seven- 
teen to  eighteen  in  diameter;  the  skin  is  red  approaching  to 
violet,  not  deep  coloured,  but  has  a considerable  bloom ; the 
peduncle  is  six  lines  long,  and  inserted  in  a slight  cavity;  the 
suture  is  not  very  conspicuous;  the  flesh  is  yellowish,  but 
quite  distinct  from  the  colour  of  the  apricot;  neither  does  the 
flavour  particularly  resemble  that  fruit,  for  it  is  rather  flat  than 
sweet,  and  without  any  peculiar  perfume ; the  stone  does  not 
adhere  to  the  flesh,  it  is  ten  lines  long  and  seven  broad.  This 
fruit  attains  to  maturity  about  the  middle  of  August. 

ROYAL.  Pr.  cat.  Mil.  For. 

French  Royal.  Pr.  cat.  26  ed. 

Prune  Royale.  Duh.  | Royale.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

This  fruit  is  sixteen  to  seventeen  lines  long,  and  fifteen  in 
its  greatest  diameter;  the  peduncle,  which  is  eight  to  ten  lines 
in  length,  is  inserted  in  a slight  cavity,  and  the  suture  is 
marked  by  a single  line;  the  skin  is  purple,  covered  with 
bloom  and  marked  with  dots  of  a lighter  hue,  approaching  to 
a fawn  colour ; the  flesh  is  greenish,  approaching  to  yellow, 
rather  firm,  somewhat  juicy,  and  of  a sweet  and  pleasant  fla- 
vour ; it  adheres  a little  to  the  stone,  which  is  eight  lines  long 
and  near  six  broad.  This  plum  may  be  ranked  among  the 
choice  varieties,  and  is  at  maturity  the  end  of  August. 

EARLY  ROYAL.  Pr.  cat. 

Royal  hative.  Bon.  Jard. 

This  fruit  is  of  a beautiful  appearance  and  of  much  excel- 
lence ; the  skin  is  of  the  same  colour  as  the  Purple  Gage,  and 
the  flesh  also  resembles  that  variety  in  quality  and  flavour.  It 
is  at  maturity  early  in  the  month  of  July. 


PLUMS. 


73 


COMMON  SAINT  JULIEN.  Pr.  cat. 

Saint  Julien.  N.  Duh.  | French  St.  Mien. 

Petit  Saint  Julien.  Saint  Julien  petit.  St.  Julian. 

This  is  the  smallest  of  the  violet-coloured  plums ; it  is  of 
rather  an  oval  form,  being  ten  to  eleven  lines  long,  and  nine 
in  diameter ; the  skin  is  of  a dark  violet  colour,  covered  with 
bloom;  the  flesh  is  greenish,  slightly  acid,  without  flavour 
when  over  ripe,  and  does  not  adhere  to  the  stone.  This  fruit 
is  at  maturity  the  end  of  August  or  beginning  of  September ; 
it  is  not  much  valued  for  the  table,  but  is  in  France  very 
extensively  used  for  preserves,  in  the  same  manner  as  the 
smaller  varieties  of  the  Damson. 

LARGE  SAINT  JULIEN.  Auth. 

Gros  Saint  Julien.  N.  Duh. 

This  variety  is  not  larger  than  the  common  Saint  Julien, 
but  is  of  a rounder  form,  being  eleven  or  twelve  lines  in 
length  and  the  same  in  diameter ; the  peduncle  is  four  lines 
long;  the  longitudinal  suture,  like  that  of  the  preceding 
variety,  is  scarcely  apparent;  the  skin  is  of  a dark  violet 
colour,  covered  with  bloom ; the  flesh  is  greenish,  more  melt- 
ing and  juicy  than  the  preceding  one,  of  a sweetish  but  rather 
insipid  taste,  and  the  stone  slightly  adheres  thereto.  This 
fruit  ripens  about  the  same  period  as  the  preceding,  say  from 
the  middle  of  August  to  the  middle  of  September,  and  is  not 
held  in  much  esteem.  There  is  a variety  of  this  plum  which 
has  variegated  leaves. 

WHITE  VIRGINAL.  Pr.  cat. 

Virginal  hlanc.  Virginal  a gros  fruit  hlanc.  N.  Duh. 

This  plum  is  smaller  than  the  Green  Gage,  being  but  six- 
teen lines  in  length,  the  same  in  diameter  at  its  smallest 
section,  and  seventeen  lines  at  the  largest  part ; one  side  is 
rather  compressed,  through  which  runs  a slight  suture,  distin- 
guished only  by  a line  ; the  peduncle  is  short,  measuring  only 

VOL.  II.  to 


74 


PLUMS. 


five  lines  long ; the  skin  is  a whitish  green,  with  considerable 
bloom ; the  flesh  is  of  a pale  greenish  hue,  very  melting,  and 
exceeding  juicy,  sweet,  and  pleasant;  the  stone  cannot  be 
separated  from  the  flesh  without  tearing  it,  and  in  such  case 
that  part  nearest  to  it  continues  to  adhere ; it  is  eight  and  a 
half  lines  long,  seven  broad,  and  quite  smooth.  -This  plum 
ripens  at  the  beginning  of  September,  and  is  a fine  fruit. 

RED  VIRGINAL.  Auth. 

Virginal  Rouge.  N.  Duh.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

This  fruit  is  fifteen  to  sixteen  lines  in  length,  and  fourteen 
in  diameter,  the  form  being  somewhat  oval ; the  skin  is  of  a 
reddish  hue,  and  the  colour  is  deepest  next  the  sun ; the  flesh 
is  yellow,  and  slightly  acid.  The  fruit  is  at  maturity  the 
^beginning  of  August. 

RED  ST.  MARTIN.  Pr.  cat. 

St.  Martin.  Prunier  de  Saint  Martin.  N.  Duh. 

Saint  Martin.  Saint  Martin  Rouge.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

The  title  given  to  this  plum  is  no  doubt  derived  from  the 
circumstance  of  its  ripening  so  late  in  the  season  that  the  fruit 
is  often  found  upon  the  tree  at  St.  Martin’s  day.  It  begins 
to  ripen,  however,  about  the  middle  of  October ; but  as  the 
peduncles  adhere  strongly  to  the  branches,  the  fruit  does  not 
readily  fall  off  unless  it  is  overtaken  by  the  frosts.  When  the 
autumn  is  warm,  it  is  not  a rare  spectacle  to  see  the  trees  of 
this  variety  still  loaded  with  fruit  at  the  end  of  November, 
even  after  they  have  lost  their  foliage.  This  plum  is  red 
approaching  a pale  violet,  and  covered  with  bloom  ; it  is  thir- 
teen to  fourteen  lines  in  length,  and  of  nearly  equal  diameter ; 
its  peduncle,  which  is  eight  to  nine  lines  long,  is  inserted 
within  a shallow  cavity ; the  suture,  which  extends  on  one  side 
from  the  base  to  the  extremity  of  the  fruit,  is  but  slightly  appa- 
rent; the  flesh  is  yellowish,  rather  firm,  somewhat  melting, 
and  flavoured  with  a small  degree  of  acidity ; the  stone  is 
swollen  on  both  sides,  and  does  not  adhere  to  the  flesh.  This 


PLUMS. 


75 


truit  is  not  particularly  pleasant  to  the  taste,  but  answers  well 
for  late  preserves,  and  is  interesting  qn  account  of  its  being 
the  latest  of  all  plums. 

. DATE  PLUM.  Pr.  cat. 

Prune  Datte.  Duh.  | Prune  d’  Autriche. 

D^Autriche.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

This  plum  is  nearly  round,  fifteen  to  sixteen  lines  in  length, 
fifteen  in  its  greatest  diameter,  and  fourteen  at  its  smallest 
part ; the  side  that  is  parallel  with  the  edge  of  the  stone  is 
divided  by  a suture,  which  is  rather  flattened  than  hollowed ; 
the  peduncle  is  fifteen  lines  long  and  inserted  in  a narrow 
and  rather  deep  cavity ; the  skin  is  yellow,  often  marked  with 
small  touches  of  very  bright  red  on  the  sunny  side,  and  entirely 
covered  with  a whitish  bloom ; the  flesh  is  yellow,  soft,  and 
without  flavour.  The  fruit  ripens  early  in  September. 

AGEN  DATE.  Pr.  cat, 

Prunier  d^Agen,  N.  Duh.  Calvel. 

D’Agen,  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

Prune  d'Ante.  Robe  de  Sergent. 

This  fruit  is  oval,  and  of  Targe  size;  the  skin  is  purple 
approaching  to  black ; the  stone  is  very  flat,  and'  rather 
smooth.  This  plum  is  often  confounded  with  the  Royal 
Tours,  but  may  be  readily  distinguished  by  its  darker  colour, 
and  by  its  stone  being  more  flattened.  It  ripens  about  the 
middle  of  July.  It  is  one  of  the  best  kinds  used  at  Agen  for 
making  prunes. 

DRAP  D’OR.  Pr.  CAT.  Duii.  Lang.  Mil.  Lond.  hort.  cat. 

CoXE  ? 

Mirabelle  double.  Duh.  syn.  Cloth  of  Gold.  Mil. 

Yellow  Gage,  of  some  collections  ? Grosse  Mirabelle  ? 

Mirabelle  la  groase,  or  Drop  d’or. 

This  plum  is  almost  round,  twelve  to  thirteen  lines  in  length, 
and  about  a line  more  in  its  greatest  diameter ; the  peduncle 
is  slender,  six  lines  long,  and  inserted  within  a small  cavity ; 
the  skin  is  yellow,  with  but  a slight  bloom,  and  marked  with 


76 


PLrMP. 


small  red  spots  on  the  side  exposed  to  the  sun ; the  flesh  is 
yellow,  melting,  very  sweet,  pleasant  without  being  particularly 
rich,  and  adheres  to  the  stone,  which  is  seven  lines  long  and 
six  broad.  This  fruit  ripens  the  middle  of  August.  It  seems 
doubtful  whether  Mr.  Coxe  referred  to  the  same  fruit  when 
making  his  description,  which  corresponds,  however,  in  several 
particulars  ; I have  followed  Duhamel  in  the  one  above  given. 

SMALL  MIRABELLE.  Auth. 

Prune  de  ^FirabeUe.  Duh.  | La  Mirabdle.  Mil.  . 

J^rirabelle  petite.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

Petite  Mirahelle.  Little  Mirahdle.  Petit  Drap  d^or. 

This  plum  is  one  of  the  smallest  of  its  class ; it  is  sometimes 
not  larger  than  a cherry  of  ordinary  size,  being  but  nine  lines 
long  and  eight  in  diameter ; and  it  is  deemed  of  extraordinary 
dimensions  when  it  attains  thirteen  lines  in  length  by  twelve 
in  diameter ; the  peduncle  is  long  in  proportion  to  the  fruit, 
and  measures  seven  to  eight  lines ; the  skin,  at  its  perfect 
maturity,  is  of  an  amber  colour,  marked  with  some  small 
reddish  dots  ; the  flesh  is  yellow,  extremely  sweet,  not  very 
rich,  and  adheres  slightly  to  the  stone,  which  is  smooth,  and 
six  lines  in  length.  This  fruit  ripens  about  the  middle  of 
August,  and  serves  to  make  fine  preserv^es  and  compotes,  and 
also  for  prunes,  which,  although  small,  are  esteemed.  There 
is  a variety  of  this  plum  wdth  coloured  fruit,  called  the  Red 
Mirabelle. 

ST.  CATHARINE.  Pr.  cat.  Laxg.  Mil.  For. 

Loxd.  bort.  cat. 

Prune  de  Sainte  Catherine.  Duh. 

Mirahelle  tardive. 

Yellow  St.  Catharine.  Saint  Catherine. 

This  plum  is  of  ovate  form,  swollen  towards  the  summit, 
and  smaller  at  its  base,  being  seventeen  lines  long,  and  fifteen 
at  its  greatest  diameter  ; it  is  somewhat  flattened  on  one  side, 
through  which  runs  a slight  suture,  and  the  extremity  of  the 
fruit  is  quite  compressed  ; the  peduncle  is  inserted  almost  even 
with  the  surface,  and  is  eigln  lines  in  length  ; the  skin  is 


TLUMS. 


green,  approaching  a little  to  a yellow  hue ; the  flesh  is  of  a. 
similar  colour,  rather  firm,  and  even  tough,  with  but  little 
flavour  unless  the  fruit  is  fully  ripe  ; but  when  it  has  attained 
to  perfect  maturity  it  becomes  partially  melting,  quite  sweet, 
and  of  a pleasant  flavour ; the  stone  adheres  but  slightly  to 
the  flesh ; it  is  nine  lines  long  and  six  broad,  and  has  a deep 
groove  along  one  of  its  edges.  This  fruit  ripens  about  the 
middle  of  September,  and  from  it  are  made  the  most  esteemed 
prunes  of  Tours. 

' GERMAN  PRUNE.  Pr.  cat. 

True  large  German  prune.  Large  German  prune. 

Prune  plum.  | Quetsche.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

Quetschen.  Couetche.  Quetsche  commune. 

Zwetschen.  N.  Duh.  | Prune  d^Allemagne  la  commune. 

This  plum  is  of  a singular  form ; it  is  oblong,  somewhat 
flattened  on  two  of  its  sides,  with  the  other  two  of  unequal 
dimensions,  one  being  almost  flat,  and  the  other  projecting ; 
the  side  which  projects  is  that  which  is  parallel  with  the  edge 
of  the  stone  ; and  it  is  also  marked  by  a suture  whose  sides 
are  not  uniform,  one  being  more  raised  than  the  other.  The 
whole  length  of  the  fruit  is  two  inches,  and  its  greatest  diame- 
ter fifteen  to  sixteen  lines ; the  peduncle  is  seven  to  eight  lines 
long,  and  inserted  nearly  even  with  the  surface  of  the  fruit ; 
the  skin  is  purple,  covered  with  a thick  bloom,  which  imparts 
to  it  a bluish  hue  ; the  flesh  is  of  a greenish  colour,  and  firm ; 
the  taste  sweetish,  with  but  little  flavour ; the  stone  is  very 
flat,  fifteen  lines  long,  seven  broad,  and  at  most  three  and  a 
half  in  thickness.  This  fruit  ripens  at  the  end  of  August  or 
beginning  of  September ; it  is  not  extensively  disseminated  in 
France,  and  but  partially  so  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Paris  ; 
but  in  Germany  it  is  cultivated  to  a great  extent,  and  in 
particular  districts  it  is  almost  the  only  variety  planted,  to  the 
exclusion  of  all  other  kinds  ; and  in  that  country,  as  well  as  in 
Lorraine  and  in  Switzerland,  excellent  prunes  are  made  from 
it.  The  tree  is  of  vigorous  growth  and  healthy  appearance, 
and  seems  to  be  well  suited  to  our  climate.  The  Prune  plum 
of  Coxe  appears  to  be  quite  a different  variety  from'  the  one 


78 


PLUMS. 


here  described.  They  cultivate  in  Europe  several  very  choice 
varieties  of  the  Prune,  all  of  which  have  been  introduced  to 
our  country:  these  are  the  Bremen  prune,  Monstrous  prune, 
Green  prune.  Early  prune,  and  Italian  prune ; the  last  of  these 
is  held  in  great  estimation  for  its  excellent  qualities. 

GERMAN  PLUM.  Auth. 

Prunier  Allemand.  Prune  Allemand.  N.  Duh. 

This  fruit  is  oval,  somewhat  swollen  on  one  side,  and 
measures  fifteen  to  sixteen  lines  in  length,  and  an  inch  in  its 
greatest  diameter ; the  peduncle  is  inserted  nearly  even  w ith  the 
surface,  and  the  suture,  which  is  parallel  with  the  edge  of  the 
stone,  is  distinguished  only  by  a line  slightly  depressed  ; the 
skin  is  purple ; the  flesh  yellowish,  somew^hat  firm,  quite  sweet, 
and  moderately  rich;  the  stone,  which  scarcely  adheres  any 
to  the  flesh,  is  ten  lines  long  and  five  broad ; it  is  very  flat, 
not  being  more  than  two  and  a half  lines  in  thickness. 

HOLLAND.  Pr.  cat.  Coxe. 

Blue  Holland.  Pr.  cat.,  26  ed. 

Large  Holland.  Kensington  Prune. 

This  tree  is  of  vigorous  growth,  and  the  young  shoots  are 
downy ; the  fruit  is  of  a blue  colour,  with  a bloom ; its  form  is 
round  and  rather  compressed ; its  flesh  is  juicy,  rich,  of  very  v 
pleasant  flavour,  and  separates  from  the  stone  ; the  peduncle 
adheres  so  strongly  to  the  branch,  that  the  fruit  frequently 
hangs  on  the  tree  after  its  maturity,  and  becomes  dry  without 
falling.  It  is,  perhaps,  more  widely  disseminated  in  our  coun- 
try than  any  other  foreign  variety,  and  is  frequently  met  with 
in  the  gardens  and  enclosures  of  the  Dutch  inhabitants  in  the 
State  of  New-York.  It  is  supposed  to  have  been  brought 
from  Holland  by  the  original  Dutch  settlers,  and  has  ob- 
tained the  name  here  adopted  from  that  circumstance.  A 
tree  received  from  Philadelphia,  under  the  title  of  Kensington 
Prune,  has  proved  identically  the  same  with  this  kind. 


PLUMS. 


79  . 

WHITE  PRIMORDIAN.  Pr.  cat.  Lang.  Mil.  For. 
Lond.  hort.  cat. 


For. 


Early  Yellow.  Pr.  cat.  26  ed. 

, , > Duh.  syn.  Lang.  Mil. 

Jaune  hatzve.  ^ Lend.  HoL  cat. 

Prune  de  Catalogue.  Duh. 

Jaune  de  Catalogue.  St.  Barnahe. 

Jean  hative.  Early  John.  Bilboa.  London  plum 
Catalonia. 


This  fruit  is  about  fourteen  lines  long,  and  an  inch  in  its 
greatest  diameter ; it  is  somewhat  contracted  at  its  base,  and 
usually  divided  on  one  side  by  a quite  conspicuous  suture ; 
the  peduncle  is  slender,  and  four  to  five  lines  long ; the  skin 
is  pale  yellow,  with  a bloom ; the  flesh  is  of  the  same  colour,^ 
partially  melting,  and  sometimes  slightly  perfumed,  but  gene- 
rally deficient  in  flavour ; it  does  not  adhere  to  the  stone. 
This  plum  is  the  first  that  ripens  of  the  European  varieties, 
and  is  commonly  in  eating  the  first  part  of  July,  which  consti- 
tutes its  chief  merit.  Duhamel  states  that  very  good  compotes 
are  made  from  it.  The  tree  is  productive,  but  grows  slow ; 
the  young  branches  are  slender,  and  the  bark  on  them  has  a 
grayish  appearance.  There  is  another  variety  called  the 
English  Blue  Primordian,  and  Langley  mentions  a Red  Pri- 
mordian  as  existing  in  his  time. 


PRINCE’S  PRIMORDIAN.  Pr.  cat. 

Princess  Blue  Primordian.  Pr.  cat.  26  ed. 

This  plum  is  of  an  oval  form  and  blue  colour ; the  flesh  is 
of  a pleasant  flavour,  but  the  principal  value  of  this  variety  is 
its  early  maturity.  It  was  raised  by  the  father  of  the  author 
of  this  work,  from  a seed  of  the  White  Primordian,  and  is  of 
about  the  same  size.  It  is  one  of  the  earliest  varieties  I am 
acquainted  with,  being  at  maturity  eight  or  ten  days  before 
its  parent.  The  young  branches  are  most  generally  of  slender 
growth  and  of  a grayish  colour. 


80 


PLUMS. 


AMERICAN  CHERRY  PLUM.  Pr.  cat. 

Cherry  plum,  or  Mirohdlan.  Coxe.  Lond.  Hort.  Cat. 

Myrohalan.  Mil. 

Prunus  myrohalana,  or  Myrohalan.  Duh. 

Prunus  cerasifera.  Ehrh.  Wild.  Pursh. 

Early  scarlet.  Cerise.  Prune  Cerise. 

This  is  a distinct  species,  said  to  be  a native  of  our  country ; 
but  I am  not  certain  that  I have  ever  met  with  it  in  a wild 
state,  though  I have  seen  a tree  closely  resembling  it  growing 
in  great  numbers  along  some  of  the  hedges  in  Maryland,  and 
which  may  possibly  be  the  same  kind.  The  tree  does  not  at- 
tain to  so  great  a height  as  most  other  plums,  but  forms  a 
bushy  spreading  head  at  a few  feet  from  the  ground.  Its 
growth  is  vigorous,  and  it  is  particularly  healthy  and  free  from 
the  knots  or  excrescences  which  are  formed  on  most  other  plum 
trees  by  the  attacks  of  insects.  The  leaves  which  are  borne 
on  petioles,  are  smooth  on  both  sides,  and  do  not  expand  un- 
til after  the  flowers,  which  bloom  very  early,  and  are  white, 
and  so  extremely  numerous  as  to  render  the  tree  highly  orna- 
mental during  that  period.  The  fruit  is  of  good  size  and 
beautiful  appearance,  nearly  globular,  rather  largest  at  the 
base,  and  terminated  at  the  extremity  by  a partial  projection^ 
similar  to  a mamelon ; it  is  of  a rather  deep  red  colour,  and 
of  pleasant  taste  when  Yuliy  ripe,  but  not  high  flavoured;  the 
stone  is  oval  and  terminates  in  an  acute  point.  This  fruit 
ripens  about  the  middle  of  August.  The  tree  bears  well  in 
situations  where  the  blossoms  are  uninjured  by  frost ; but  as 
they  expand  so  very  early  they  are  apt  to  be  injured  in  this 
latitude,  and  the  crops  of  fruit  are  therefore  but  small. 

EUROPEAN  CHERRY  PLUM.  Pr.  cat. 

Prune  Ceriset.  Cerisette.  N.  Duh. 

Cherry.  Cerizette.  Mil. 

This  fruit  is  nearly  globular,  a little  oblong,  of  small  or 
medium  size,  and  of  a reddish  colour  ; the  flesh  is  yellowish 
green,  partially  melting,  rather  sweet,  but  not  high  flavored, 


PLUMS. 


81  ■ 

and  separates  pretty  readily  from  the  stone.  This  plum  ri- 
vpens  the  middle  of  August;  it  is  not  particularly  esteemed, 
and  the  trees  are  consequently  not  extensively  cultivated  for 
their  fruit.  They  are  much  used,  however,  for  stocks  on 
which  to  inoculate  the  superior  plums,  and  particular  varieties 
of  apricots. 

STONELESS.  Pr.  cat.  Lond.  hort.  cat. 

Pitless.  Pr.  cat.  26  ed. 

Prunier  sans  noyau.  Prune  sans  noyau.  N.  Duh. 

This  is  one  of  the  smallest  plums,  being  but  ten  to  eleven 
lines  in  length,  by  eight  to  nine  in  diameter;  the  peduncle  is 
usually  four  to  five  lines  long,  and  sometimes  even  nine  lines; 
it  is  inserted  nearly  even  with  the  surface  of  the  fruit,  there 
being  no  apparent  cavity  ; the  skin  is  a dark  violet  or  purple, 
covered  with  bloom ; the  flesh  is  greenish,  at  first  slightly 
acid,  but  at  perfect  maturity  it  becomes  sweetish  and  devoid  of 
flavour ; the  stone  is  most  frequently  deficient,  and  there  is  in 
its  place  a small  bony  substance,  six  to  seven  lines  in  length 
and  two  in  breadth,  which  adheres  strongly  to  the  flesh ; the 
kernel  formed  in  the  centre  of  the  flesh  is  four  and  a half  lines 
long,  and  three  broad  ; in  some  cases  the  fruit  has  a perfect 
stone,  six  to  seven  lines  in  length,  and  four  and  a half  in 
breadth.  This  variety  is  but  rarely  cultivated,  as  it  is  valu- 
able only  as  a curiosity ; the  fruit  being  small  and  indiflerent. 

It  ripens  during  the  month  of  August. 

MAUGERON  DAMASK.  Pr.  cat. 

Damas  de  Maugeron.  Duh.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

This  variety  is  of  nearly  a globular  form,  being  seventeen 
lines  in  leqgth,  and  sixteen  and  a half  in  diameter  ; it  is  flat- 
tened both  at  the  base  and  at  the  extremity ; tlie  peduncle  is 
ten  lines  long,  slender,  and  inserted  in  the  centre  of  a very 
small  cavity ; the  suture  which  divides  the  fruit  its  whole 
length,  is  very  slight  and  barely  marked  by  a line  ; the  skin  is 
of  a light  purple  colour,  covered  with  bloom,  and  marked  with 

11 


82 


PLUMS. 


very  small  lawn-coloured  dots;  the  flesh  is  greenish  yellow, 
rather  firm,  of  a sweet  and  pleasant  flavour,  and  does  not  ad- 
here to  the  stone,  which  is  nine  lines  long,  and  rather  more 
and  seven  in  breadth.  This  plum  ripens  from  the  fifteenth  of 
August  to  the  end  of  the  same  month,  and  is  esteemed  as  an 
excellent  fruit.  It  is  said  to  be  subject  in  France  to  the  at- 
tacks of  worms,  but  I am  not  aware  that  is  particularly  so  dn 
our  country,  where,  however,  it  has  not  been  cultivated  but  a 
few  years.  There  are  two  varieties,  one  producing  larger, 
and  the  other  smaller  fruit. 

. EARLY  BLACK  DAMASK.  Pr.  cat. 

Damas  noir  liatif.  N.  Dull.  Loud.  Hort.  cat. 

Saint  Cijr. 

This  plum  is  small  ami  flattened  at  its  extremity ; it  is  only 
twelve  lines  in  length,  and  thirteen  in  its  greatest  diameter; 
the  peduncle  is  five  lines  long  ; the  skin  is  of  a deep  violet  co- 
lour, covered  with  bloom ; the  flesh  is  greenish,  melting, 
sweet,  and  of  pleasant  flavour ; the  stone  is  seven  and  a half 
lines  in  length,  and  six  in  breadth,  and  adheres  but  very  little 
to  the  flesh.  The  fruit  ripens  about  the  middle  of  July. 

MOROCCO.  Pr.  cat.  Laxg.  Pom.  Mag.  Load,  iiort.  cat. 

Early  Damash,  commonly  called  the  Morocco  plum.  Mil. 

' Early  Black  Damask.  PYr.  ^ 

Black  Morocco^ 

Black  Damask, 

Early  Damask, 

This  plum  appears  to  be  distinct  from  the  Damas  noir  Jiatif 
of  Duhamel.  I extract  the  following  description  from  the  Po- 
mological  Magazine  : 

“ This  is  one  of  the  very  best  of  our  early  plums,  and  has 
long  been  an  inhabitant  of  our  gardens.  In  the  time  of  Lang- 
ley it  was  evidently  common  and  well  known.  It  is  not,  how- 
ever, so  much  cultivated  now  as  formerly,  for  which  reason  a 
figure  of  it  is  here  given,  in  order  that  it  may  not  be  entirely 
lost  sight  of.  It  is  very  hardy,  bears  well  as  a standard,  and 
ripens  fully  a month  before  the  Orleans,  coming  in  at  the  be- 


of  various  collections. 


PLU»IS. 


83 


ginning  of  August;  the  juice  is  unusually  rich  ; wood  downy  ; 
leaves  middle  sized,  bluntly  serrated,  rather  light  green,  shin- 
ing on  the  upper  surface  ; stalks  from  half  an  inch  to  an  inch 
long,  with  globose  glands ; fruit  middle  sized,  roundish  ; its 
suture  moderately  depressed  along  one  side ; the  apex  a little 
flattened;  the  stalk  thick,  scarcely  half  an  inch  long;  skin 
deep  blackish  purple,  covered  with  a light  blue  bloom  ; flesh 
greenish  yellow,  slightly  adhering  to  the  stone,  juicy,  rich,  and 
high-flavoured  ; stone  middle  sized,  oval,  compressed.” 

ITALIAN  DAMASK.  Pr.  cat. 

Damas  (V Italic.  Duh.  Loud.  Ilort.  cat. 

This  tree  is  of  very  thrifty  and  vigorous  growth  ; the  fruit 
is  thirteen  to  fifteen  lines  in  length,  and  nearly’ the  same  in  di- 
ameter; the  peduncle  is  eight  lines  long,  and  inserted  in  a 
slight  cavity,  the  plum  being  somewhat  flattened  at  that  part ; 
the  skin  is  purple,  with  a bloom,  and  speckled  with  some  very 
small  dots  of  a lighter  shade  of  the  same  colour ; the  flesh  is 
yellowish  green,  melting,  rather  sweet,  but  in  some  cases  in- 
ferior in  point  of  flavour ; the  stone  does  not  adhere  to  the 
flesh,  and  is  eight  lines  in  length,  by  six  in  breadth.  This 
plum  ripens  during  the  latter  part  of  August. 

SPANISH  DAMASK.  Pr.  cat. 

Damas  (VEspagne.  N.  Duh.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

This  fruit  is  of  nearly  a round  form,  its  diameter  being- 
thirteen  lines,  and  its  length  but  half  a line  more  ; the  pedun- 
cle is  very  short,  and  inserted  in  a slight  cavity  ; the  groove  or 
suture  is  not  very  conspicuous;  the  skin  is  a deep  purple,  co- 
vered with  bloom  ; the  flesh  is  yellowish,  not  very  rich,  sweet- 
ish and  without  flavour ; the  stone  separates  entirely  from  the 
flesh.  This  plum  ripens  about  the  end  of  August. 

MUSK  DAMASK.  Pr.  cat. 

Damas  inusquc.  Dull.  Lond.  Horl.  cat. 

Prune  de  Chypre.  Prune  de  Malic. 

This  fruit  is  almost  globular,  flattened  at  the  base,  and  at  the 
extremity ; twelve  to  tliirtcen  lines  in  length,  and  fourteen  in 


84 


PLUMS. 


diameter  ; the  peduncle  is  six  lines  long,  and  placed  in  a de- 
pression scarcely  perceptible  ; the  longitudinal  suture  is  rather 
more  apparent ; the  skin  is  dark  purple,  speckled  with  very 
small  dots  of  a lighter  colour,  and  covered  with  bloom ; the 
flesh  is  greenish,  melting,  replete  with  juice,  of  a sweet  and 
rather  rich  flavour  ; the  stone  is  six  lines  long,  and  of  the  same 
breadth,  it  does  not  adhere  at  all  to  the  flesh,  but  is  smooth, 
with  the  exception  of  two  or  three  projecting  lines  towards  the 
base.  This  fruit  ripens  about  the  middle  of  August. 

SEPTEMBER  DAMASK.  Pr.  cat. 

Pruniei'  des  Vacances.  Prune  de  Vacance.  Duh. 

Damas  de  Septembre.  Duh.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

This  plum  is  almost  globular ; its  breadth  is  rather  greater 
than  its  length,  it  being  thirteen  and  a half  lines  long,  and 
fourteen  in  diameter  ; the  peduncle  is  only  three  or  four  lines 
in  length,  and  inserted  in  a pretty  distinct  cavity;  the  skin  is 
dark  purple,  almost  black,  covered  with  bloom,  which  makes 
it  appear  of  a blueish  colour;  it  is  marked  from  the  base  to 
the  extremity  of  the  fruit  by  a shallow  suture ; the  flesh  is 
greenish,  at  first  rather  firm  and  sourish,  afterwards  it  becomes 
soft  and  sweetish  without  much  flavour,  unless  there  is  a warm 
period  at  the  time  of  its  ripening,  in  which  case  it  is  rather 
more  pleasant  and  more  perfumed  ; the  stone  is  much  swollen 
and  separates  prett}^  readily  from  the  flesh.  This  fruit  ripens 
in  the  course  of  the  month  of  September,  and  the  tree  is  usually 
very  productive. 

VIOLET  DAMASK.  Pr.  cat. 

Damas  violet.  Duh.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

This  fruit  is  thirteen  to  fourteen  lines  long,  and  two  lines 
less  in  its  greatest  diameter  ; the  peduncle  is  five  lines  in 
length,  and  inserted  in  a slight  cavity ; the  suture  is  distin- 
guished only  by  a line ; the  skin  is  of  a violet  colour,  covered 
with  bloom ; the  flesh  is  yellowish,  melting,  replete  with  juice, 
which  is  bland,  sweet,  and  somewhat  musky,  it  does  not  adhere 


PLUMS. 


85 


\ 


to  the  stone,  or  but  partially  so ; the  stone  is  very  much  swol- 
len on  both  its  sides,  and  is  seven  lines  long  and  five  broad. 
This  plum  ripens  at  the  end  of  July  or  beginning  of  August, 
and  is  one  of  the  best  among  the  small  varieties.  The  tree  is 
very  vigorous,  but  is  said  to  seldom  yield  large  crops  in  the 
vicinity  of  Paris  ; its  introduction  here  is  so  recent  that  suffi- 
cient opportunities  have  not  been  afforded  to  decide  whether  it 
will  be  more  productive  with  us. 

RED  DAMASK.  Pr.  cat. 

Damas  rouge.  Duh. 

I had  supposed  this  variety  to  be  the  same  as  the  Orleans  of 
the  English,  but  such  appears  not  to  be  the  fact.  I intend, 
however,  by  further  investigation  to  decide  that  point  satisfac- 
torily. This  fruit  is  a rather  regular  oval,  sixteen  lines  in 
length,  and  fourteen  in  diameter;  the  suture  is  very  shallow; 
the  peduncle  is  six  lines  long,  and  inserted  almost  even  with 
the  surface  of  the  fruit ; the  skin  is  dark  red  on  the  side  ex- 
posed to  the  sun,  and  of  a pale  red  on  the  other,  and  is  covered 
entirely  with  bloom ; the  flesh  is  yellowish,  melting,  very 
sweet,  and  separates  readily  from  the  stone,  which  is  seven 
lines  long,  and  five  at  its  greatest  breadth.  The  fruit  ripens 
the  middle  of  August.  The  French  writers  state  that  in  their 
country  it  is  subject  to  be  wormy,  and  that  the  trees  are  far 
more  productive  in  the  south  than  in  the  north  of  France. 

LATE  RED  DAMASK.  Pr.  cat. 

Gros  Damas  rouge  tardif.  N.  Duh. 

Damas  rouge  tardif.  | Late  red  Damson. 

The  length  and  diameter  of  this  plum  are  equal,  each  mea- 
suring eighteen  lines ; the  peduncle  is  six  lines  long,  and  in- 
serted almost  even  with  the  surface ; the  skin  is  a light  purple 
colour,  approaching  to  red,  with  a partial  bloom  ; the  flesh  is 
yellow,  melting,  with  abundance  of  juice,  which  is  rather 
sweet  and  rich,  and  of  very  pleasant  flavour;  the  stone  is  very 
flat,  rather  smooth,  nine  lines  long,  six  and  a half  broad,  and 
but  three  in  thickness ; one  of  its  edges  projects  considerably. 


86 


PLUMS. 


This  plum  is  seldom  at  maturity  before  the  15th  of  September ; 
it  is  an  excellent  fruit,  and  also  very  beautiful,  and  is  therefore 
gratifying  both  to  the  eye  and  to  the  palate.  The  tree  is 
vigorous  and  very  productive,  and  deserves  to  be  widely  dis- 
seminated, and  would  fill  the  places  advantageously  of  many 
of  the  inferior  kinds  now  in  cultivation. 

LARGEST  DAMASK  OF  TOURS.  Ph.  cat. 

Gros  Damas  de  Tours.  Duh. 

Damas  de  Tours  gros.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

This  plum  is  of  rather  greater  length  than  breadth,  the  for- 
mer being  fourteen  and  the  latter  thirteen  lines ; the  longitudi- 
nal suture  presents  only  a line,  without  any  depression;  the 
flesh  is  whitish,  firm,  sweet,  prett}'  rich,  and  of  a very  pleasant 
flavour  ; it  is  unfortunate  that  the  skin,  which  is  tough  and 
somewhat  acid,  imparts  a bad  taste  to  it ; the  stone  is  rough, 
and  adheres  to  the  flesh.  This  plum  is  of  a dark  purple  co- 
lour, covered  with  bloom  ; it  ripens  towards  the  end  of  July 
and  is  greatly  cultivated  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Tours,  where 
the  inhabitants  make  excellent  prunes  of  it. 

DAMAS  DRONET.  Pr-  cat.  Loxd.  hort.  cat. 

This  is  a small  fruit,  of  rather  greater  length  than  diameter, 
the  former  measuring  twelve  and  a half  lines,  and  the  latter 
but  eleven  ; the  peduncle  is  ten  lines  long,  and  inserted  in  a 
very  narrow  and  rather  deep  cavity;  the  skin  has  but  little 
bloom  on  it,  and  is  at  first  pale  green,  but  afterwards  changes 
to  a yellowish  hue  when  at  perfect  maturity ; the  flesh  is  green- 
ish, somewhat  firm,  sweet,  of  a pleasant  taste,  and  does  not 
adhere  any  to  the  stone.  This  plum  ripens  during  the  latter 
part  of  the  month  of  August. 

DAMAS  DE  PROVENCE.  N.  Duh.  Loxd.  hort.  cat. 

Damas  de  Provence  hatif. 

Early  DamasJi  of  Provence.  Provence  Damask.  Auth. 

This  is  an  oval  fruit,  of  medium  size,  its  length  being  nine- 
teen and  its  diameter  fourteen  lines ; the  peduncle  is  large,  and 


PLUMS. 


87 


six  lines  long ; the  skin  is  purple,  with  considerable  bloom  ; 
the  flesh  is  greenish,  rather  firm,  partially  acid  before  fully 
ripe,  afterwards  pretty  sweet,  but  not  of  a very  rich  flavour ; 
the  stone  adheres  considerably  to  the  flesh.  This  fruit  ripens 
very  early,  and  is  in  France  brought  to  the  table  in  warm  and 
favourable  seasons  at  the  end  of  June,  which  constitutes  its 
greatest  merit. 

SMALL  RED  DAMSON.  Pa.  cat. 

Small  red  Damask,  Pr.  cat.,  26th  ed. 

Petit  Damas  rouge.  N.  Duh. 

This  fruit  is  nearly  globular,  being  eleven  or  twelve  lines 
in  length,  and  the  same  in  diameter  ; the  peduncle,  which  is 
four  lines  long,  is  inserted  even  with  the  surface  of  the  fruit, 
and  not  in  a cavity ; the  skin  is  red  on  the  shaded  side,  and 
approaches  a violet  hue  on  that  next  the  sun ; the  suture  is 
distinguished  only  by  a single  line;  the  flesh  is  melting, 
bland,  sweet,  of  good  flavour,  and  of  a yellowish  colour ; it 
separates  readily  from  the  stone,  which  is  five  lines  long,  and 
rather  more  in  breadth,  and  has  a projecting  ridge  at  the 
middle  of  one  of  its  sides.  This  fruit  attains  its  maturity 
during  the  month  of  September. 

PRINCE’S  EARLY  DAMSON.  Pk.  cat. 

Prince’s  Early  Purple. 

This  tree  is  of  thrifty  growth,  and  produces  abundant  crops ; 
the  fruit  is  of  medium  size,  and  of  an  ovate  form ; the  skin  is 
of  a dark  reddish  purple  colour,  and  the  flesh  of  a pleasant 
flavour,  and  separates  from  the  stone.  It  is  much  admired, 
being  an  excellent  early  plum,  both  for  the  table  and  for 
preserves.  It  ripens  in  the  month  of  August.  This  variety 
was  raised  from  seed  by  the  father  of  the  author. 

LARGE  EARLY  DAMSON.  Pr.  cat. 

Sweet  Damson.  Early  Damson.  Horse  plum. 

This  tree  appears  to  have  been  brought  to  this  country 
either  by  the  early  Dutch  settlers,  or  by  the  French  who 


88 


PLUMS. 


settled  here  at  the  time  of  the  revocation  of  the  edict  of 
Nantz.  It  is  much  disseminated  throughout  this  section  of 
country.  The  fruit  is  of  good  size,  and  of  an  oval  form  ; its 
skin  is  of  a black  colour  ; the  flesh  sweet,  and  of  very  pleasant 
flavour,  separating  freely  from  the  stone.  It  is  much  esteemed, 
both  for  the  table  and  for  preserves.  The  fruit  ripens  in 
August.  The  name  here  adopted  is  that  by  which  it  is  gene- 
rally known ; its  original  title  I am  unacquainted  with. 

SMALL  WHITE  DAMSON.  Pr.  cat. 

Petit  Damas  hlanc.  Duh. 

Damas  blanc  petit.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

This  fruit  is  thirteen  lines  in  length,  and  the  same  in 
diameter ; the  skin  is  of  a yellowish  white  hue,  with  a partial 
bloom,  and  very  slightly  tinged  with  red  on  the  side  next  the 
sun ; the  flesh  is  of  the  same  colour  as  the  skin,  melting,  of  a 
bland,  sweet,  and  rather  rich  flavour ; it  does  not  adhere  to 
the  stone,  which  is  seven  lines  long  and  six  broad,  and  has  a 
kind  of  projecting  ridge  upon  each  side  of  it  extending  from 
the  base  to  the  point.  This  plum  ripens  at  the  end  of  August 
or  the  beginning  of  September. 

LARGE  WHITE  DAMSON.  Pr.  cat. 

Large  ivhite  DamasJc.  Pr.  cat.,  26th  ed. 

Gros  Damas  hlanc.  Duh. 

Damas  hlanc  gros.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

This  plum  has  great  affinity  to  the  preceding  one  ; it  is 
only  a little  larger  and  longer.  In  favourable  situations  it 
attains  to  fifteen  or  sixteen  lines  in  length,  and  fourteen  in 
diameter ; the  skin  and  flesh  are  also  nearly  of  the  same  colour 
as  the  one  before  described,  and  its  flavour  does  not  differ, 
except  that  the  present  one  seems  rather  sweeter.  This  fruit 
attains  to  maturity  a few  days  the  soonest. 

LATE  WHITE  DAMSON.)  Pr.  cat. 

White  Damascene.  Coxe. 

White  Damson.  Late  Cluster.  Winter  Damson. 

White  Winter  Damson.  Frost  plum. 

This  tree  is  of  very  strong  and  vigorous  growth,  and 


PLUMS. 


89 


accords  so  well  with  our  climate  that  it  soon  attains  to  a 
large  size.  It  is  exceedingly  productive,  the  fruit  hanging  in 
numerous  clusters  along  the  branches.  The  form  is  rather 
more  than  an  inch  in  length,  and  seven-eighths  of  an  inch  in 
diameter;  the  skin  is  a greenish  white,  marked  with  brown 
spots ; the  flesh  is  rather  rich  and  juicy,  of  pleasant  flavour, 
and  adheres  to  the  stone.  This  plum  ripens  in  September, 
and  sometimes  continues  on  the  tree  until  after  frost  appears, 
and  in  some  instances  a part  of  the  fruit  becomes  partially 
shrivelled,  in  which  case  the  flavour  is  much  improved. 

LATE  BLACK  DAMSON.  Pr.  cat. 

Damns  noir.  Damas  noir  tardif.  Duh. 

Damns  noir  tardif.  Lond.  Hort.  cat.  Black  Damson. 

This  fruit  is  thirteen  lines  in  length  and  twelve  and  a half 
in  diameter,  and  is  sometimes  flattened  in  the  same  direction 
as  the  stone,  being  about  a line  less  in  its  diameter  where  thus 
compressed  ; the  peduncle  is  five  to  six  lines  long,  and  inserted 
in  a very  slight  cavity;  the  skin  is  of  a deep  purple  colour, 
almost  black,  and  covered  with  bloom  ; the  flesh  is  rather 
firm,  yellowish  green,  acid  when  the  fruit  is  not  fully  ripe,  but 
sweet  and  slightly  perfumed  when  it  has  attained  to  perfect 
maturity.  The  stone  in  some  cases  slightly  adheres  to  the 
flesh  ; it  is  not  quite  seven  lines  long,  and  six  in  breadth,  with 
a deep  suture  upon  one  of  its  edges.  Duhamel  states  that  the 
fruit  ripens  in  France  at  the  end  of  August. 

LATE  PURPLE  DAMSON.  Pr.  cat. 

Purple  winter  Damson.  Pr.  cat.  26th  ed. 

Damson.  Winter  Damson.  Late  Damson. 

Blue  Damson.  Blue  Damascene. 

Common  blue  Damson. 

This  is  the  plum  which  is  brought  in  the  greatest  quantities 
to  our  markets,  during  the  fall  season,  under  the  name  of 
Damson,  and  'w'hich  is  so  much  sought  after  for  preserves. 
The  tree  is  exceedingly  productive,  and  in  this  respect  is  per- 
haps unsurpassed  by  any  other  variety.  Those  who  cultivate 
this  kind  for  the  market  find  it  very  profitable,  as  the  fruit  is 

VOL.  IT.  12  . 


90 


PLUMS. 


in  much  request,  and  commands  a high  price.  Unfortu- 
nately the  tree  is  very  subject  to  the  attacks  of  insects,  which 
cause  knots  and  excrescences  to  be  formed  to  a greater  degree 
on  this  than  on  any  other  plum  tree.  This  inconvenience 
may  however  be  easily  remedied  by  proper  attention  to  prun- 
ing off  all  the  wounded  branches  at  the  season  of  the  year 
when  the  insect  has  taken  shelter  therein,  taking  care  to  burn 
them  immediately  ; which  course,  if  followed  up  for  two  years, 
or  three  at  most,  will  effectually  destroy  them.  I have  noticed 
that  this  tree  affords  abundant  crops  when  growing  in  sod 
ground  along  the  sides  of  the  highway.  The  fruit  is  about 
an  inch  in  length,  and  three-fourths  of  an  inch  in  diameter ; it 
is  of  a dark  purple  colour,  covered  with  bloom ; the  flesh  has 
rather  too  much  acidity  for  a table  fruit,  but  this  tartness  gives 
an  agreeable  flavour  t^  the  preserves  that  are  made  from 
it.  The  growth  of  the  tree  greatly  resembles  the  preceding 
variety,  and  I have  been  inclined  to  think  them  the  same ; but 
as  this  does  not  ripen  till  September,  and  also  differs  in  some 
other  points  from  the  description  given  of  that  variety  by 
Duhamel,  I have  been  unable,  hitherto,  to  satisfy  myself  on 
this  head. 

SHROPSHIRE  DAMSON.  Lond.  hort.  cat. 

Damson  plum.  For. 

This  is  a large  variety  of  the  Damson,  of  fine  quality  and 
rich  flavour ; it  is  suitable  for  preserves.  It  ripens  in  October. 
The  tree  produces  abundantly. 

MIMM’S  PLUM.  Pr.  cat.  Pom.  mag.  Lond.  hort.  cat. 

Imperial  Diadem  1 

I copy  the  description  of  this  fine  fruit  from  the  Pomological 
Magazine,  in  which  it  is  admirably  figured. 

“This  variety  is  said  to  have  been  raised  many  years  since 
from  a stone  of  the  Blue  Perdrigon  plum,  in  the  garden  of 
Henry  Browne,  Esq.  at  North  Mimm’s  Place,  in  Hertfordshire, 
and  was  exhibited  at  a meeting  of  the  Horticultural  Society, 


PLUMS.  VP 

in  1819,  by  Mr,  William  Morgan,  at  that  Vime  garde^mr  to 
Mr.  Browne. 

“ The  original  tree  was  trained  to  a Wall,  with  an  eastern  ^ 
aspect,  where  it  bears  regularly  and  abundantly.  The  fruit 
is  large  and  handsome,  of  a rich  reddish  purple  colour,  in  size 
and  figure  approaching  the  Magnum  Bonum,  but  more  spher- 
rical.  It  is  a pleasant  dessert  plum,  but  its  great  excellence  is 
as  a pie-fruit.  It  melts  perfectly  when  baked,  and  possesses 
that  just  proportion  of  acidity  and  sweetness  which  is  so  essen-- 
tial  to  the  confectioner,  and  so  rarely  to  be  founds  The  tree 
succeeds  well  as  an  open  standard. 

“ There  4s  a variety  cultivated  near  Manchester,  under  the 
name  of  the  Imperial  Diadem  plum,  that  apparently  is  in  no 
respect  different  from  this,  with  which  it  agrees  in  wood,  foil*- 
age,  period  of  maturity,  size,  colour,  and  quality.  The  origin 
of  the  Imperial  Diadem  is,  however,,  probably  not  the  same  as 
that  of  the  Mimm’s  plum,  which  suggests  the  possibility  of 
some  difference  that  has  not  yet  been  detected,  for  which  rea- 
son the  two  are  not  actually  combined  in  this  place. 

“ Wood  wiry,  smooth,  dull  brownish  purple,  with  short 
joints,  the  lower  part  of  the  young  shoots  is  thickly  covered 
with  brown  specks ; the  buds  are  dull  blackish  gray  ; leaves 
oblong,  quite  flat,  obtuse,  rather  unequally  crenated,  smooth 
on  the  upper  surface,  pubescent  on  the  under  surface  and  peti- 
ole ; glands  two,  globose,  minute  at  the  base  of  the  leaf ; 
flowers,  rather  early,  above  the  ordinary  size ; fruit,  oblong, 
with  an  oblique  apex,  and  broad  shallow  suture,  of  the  very 
largest  size  among  plums,  of  a light  clear  purple  colour,  upon 
a greenish  ground,  which  is  fully  exposed  on  the  shaded  side 
of  fruit  produced  upon  walls  ; bloom  copious,  easily  rubbed 
off ; skin  thickish,  a little  marked  with  brownish  specks  ; 
flesh  pale  dull  greenish  yellow,  tender,  juicy,  and  very  agree- 
ably flavoured,  like  an  Orleans  plum  in  perfection  ; stone 
separating  freely,  very  rugged,  with  a thin,  irregular  edge  ; 
stalk  pubescent.” 


92 


PLUMS. 


FOTHERINGHAM.  Pr.  cat.  Laxg.  Mil.  Loxd.  hort.  cat. 

For. 

Foderingham.  Sheen  plum. 

This  fruit  is  of  excellent  quality,  in  which  respect  there  are 
but  few  which  excel  it ; it  is  of  large  size,  the  form  oblong, 
with  a deep  suture  ; the  skin  is  of  a deep  red  colour,  a little 
spotted,  and  covered  with  a slight  violet  bloom  ; the  flesh  is 
white,  firm  and  crisp,  rich,  juicy,  and  of  fine  flavour;  it  sepa- 
rates freely  from  the  stone,  which  is  of  large  size.  It  ripens 
in  August. 

CHESTOX.  Pr.  cat.  Lang.  Mil.  For.  Load.  hort.  cat. 

Matchless, 

This  plum  is  of  oval  form,  and  of  a dark  blue  colour,  with 
a partial  violet  bloom  ; the  flesh  is  dark  yellow,  rich,  and  full 
of  sweet  and  pleasant  juice.  The  fruit  ripens  in  September, 
and  the  tree  produces  abundantly. 

LARGE  EARLY  MOXTREUIL.  Pr.  cat. 

Large  early  hlaclc.  Pr.  cat.  26lh  ed. 

Noir  de  Montreuil.  Duh.  Lond.  Hort.  Cat. 

Mmitreuil.  Grasse  noire  hative. 

Grasse  noir  de  Montreuil. 

This  plum  bears  much  affinity  to  the  Damask  of  Tours.  It 
is  sixteen  lines  long  and  fourteen  in  diameter.  The  skin  is 
dark  purple,  covered  with  bloom,  coriaceous,  and  very  acid  ; 
the  flesh  is  firm,  at  first  approaching  a white  hue,  but  becomes 
yellowish  when  fully  ripe,  and  has  a very  pleasant  taste,  espe- 
cially if  pains  be  taken  to  separate  it  from  the  skin,  which  will 
otherwise  impart  to  it  an  acid  flavour  ; the  stone  adheres  but 
very  little  to  the  flesh  ; it  is  eight  lines  long,  five  and  a half 
broad,  and  three  and  a half  thick.  The  principal  merit  of 
this  fruit  is  its  early  maturit}-,  which  takes  place  about  the 
middle  of  July;  the  flowers  are  liable  to  be  injured  by  late 
frosts.  Duharnel  states  that  the  title  of  Grosse-noire-hative  is 
given  to  a round  plum,  of  larger  size  than  the  one  here  de- 
scribed, of  the  same  colour,  and  nearly  as  early  ; but  whose 
flesh  is  coarse  and  without  flavour. 


PLU3IS. 


93 


MOUCHETE.  N.  Duh. 

MouclieUe.  N.  Duh. 

This  plum  is  of  ovate  form,  an  inch  in  length,  and  ten  lines 
in  its  greatest  diameter  ; the  peduncle,  which  is  long  in  pro- 
portion to  the  size  of  the  fruit,  and  measures  seven  lines,  is 
inserted  nearly  even  with  the  surface ; the  suture  is  distin- 
guished only  by  a line  ; the  skin  is  greenish,  with  considerable 
bloom,  and  marked  with  whitish  and  yellowish  touches ; the 
flesh  is  greenish  rather  than  yellow,  somewhat  firm,  and  at 
first  devoid  of  flavour,  but  becomes  rather  sweet  when  well 
ripened,  and  does  not  adhere  to  the  stone.  This  fruit  is  at 
maturity  in  September.  In  the  New  Duhamel,  where  it  is 
described,  the  author  remarks  that  they  had  only  met  with  it 
iii  the  Jardin  des  Plantes  at  Paris. 

FRENCH  COPPER.  Pk.  cat.  Coxe.  Lond.  hort.  cat. 

Copper. 

This  fruit  is  not  exactly  round,  but  measures  nearly  the 
same  in  each  direction,  being  about  an  inch  and  three-eighths 
in  length,  and  the  same  in  diameter ; the  skin  is  blue,  with  a 
tinge  of  copper  colour ; the  flesh  is  of  pleasant  flavour,  and 
separates  from  the  stone.  The  tree  is  of  thrifty  growth,  and 
produces  abundant  crops  of  fruit,  which  ripens  in  the  month 
of  July. 

TILLEMOND.  Autii. 

Prunier  de  Tillemond.  Belle  Tillemond.  N.  Duh. 

This  fruit  is  very  large  and  oval,  being  twenty-six  lines  in 
length,  and  twenty  in  diameter  ; the  peduncle  is  rather  large, 
eight  lines  long,  or  nearly  that,  and  inserted  in  a slight  cavity  ; 
the  skin  is  dark  purple  on  the  side  exposed  to  the  sun,  and 
light  purple  on  the  other  side ; the  flesh  is  greenish,  some- 
what melting,  its  flavour  not  very  pleasant,  being  sharp  and 
sicid  even  when  at  full  maturity.  This  plum  is  more  pleasing 
o the  sight  than  to  the  taste,  and  is  scarcely  eatable  in  a raw 


94 


PLUMS. 


State,  but  is  much  better  in  preserves  or  compotes.  It  is  a 
late  fruit,  and  does  not  ripen  until  Septemljer  even  in  the 
south  of  France,  and  always  hangs  on  the  larger  branches. 
The  tree  is  upright,  rises  to  a considerable  height,  and  never 
forms  a very  bushy  head. 

ISLE  VERTE.  Pr.  cat.  Duh. 

Isle  vert:  He  vert.  Duh.  I Ille  verie.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

Savoy.  Prune  de  Savoy e.  | He  verte.  Jard.  fruit.  Bon.  Jard. 

This  fruit  is  of  very  oblong  form,  being  two  inches  in 
length  and  twelve  to  thirteen  in  diameter  at  its  largest  section  ; 
one  of  its  sides  is  nearly  flat,  and  the  other  swollen  or  pro- 
jecting; the  peduncle  is  seven  lines  long,  and  inserted  in  a 
shallow  cavity ; the  skin  is  greenish,  approaching  to  yellow, 
and  even  a little  to  a reddish  hue  on  the  side  next  the  sun ; 
the  flesh  is  greenish,  soft  and  sweetish,  and  occasionally 
quite  sweet  and  musky,  but  generally  devoid  of  flavour,  and 
not  particularly  pleasant ; it  strongly  adheres  to  the  stone, 
which  is  rather  smooth,  seventeen  lines  in  length,  seven  in 
breadth,  and  very  flat,  not  exceeding  three  lines  in  thickness. 
This  plum  ripens  at  the  beginning  of  September ; it  is  of  no 
value  as  a table  fruit,  but  Duhamel  states  that  it  is  good  for 
preserves  and  compotes,  which  another  writer  seems  to  doubt. 

JACINTHE.  Pr.  cat.  Duh.  Coxe.  Lond.  hort.  cat. 

Hyacinth.  Pr.  cat.,  26th  ed. 

This  plum  is  oval,  twenty  lines  in  length  and  seventeen  in 
diameter,  somewhat  swollen  towards  the  base,  and  divided  on 
the  side  which  is  parallel  with  the  edge  of  the  stone  by  a shal- 
low suture,  which  terminates  at  the  extremity  of  the  fruit  by  a 
small  depression  ; the  peduncle  is  short,  inserted  in  a narrow 
but  rather  deep  cavity  ; the  skin  is  of  a pale  violet  colour, 
with  a bloom,  and  does  not  readily  separate  from  the  flesh, 
which  is  yellow,  moderately  firm,  of  a rich  and  sweet  taste 
with  a partial  degree  of  acidity,  and  adheres  but  slightly  to 
the  stone.  This  fruit  ripens  at  the  end  of  August,  and  bears 
a great  resemblance  to  the  Purple  Egg,  or  Imperial  Violet. 


PLUMS 


95 


MOYEN  DE  BOURGOGNE.  Duh.  Calvel.  Lond.  hort.  cat. 

Moyeu  de  Bourgogne, 

This  plum  is  of  a large  size  and  an  oval  form ; the  skin 
and  flesh  are  both  yellow ; it  is  not  a fruit  of  delicate  flavour, 
but  the  tree  produces  an  abundant  crop.  It  ripens  about  the 
middle  of  September. 

COE’S  GOLDEN  DROP.  Pk.  cat.  Lond.  hort.  cat. 
Coe’s  Plum,  Pom.  Mag. 

Coe’s  Imperial.  Golden  drop  > of  different 
New  Golden  drop.  Bury  Seedling  J collections. 

Of  all  the  plums  of  any  modern  origin,  this  and  the  Wash- 
ington, already  described  in  this  work,  are  not  only  among  the 
best,  but  perhaps  superior  to  any  of  the  oldest  varieties.  I 
extract  the  following  from  the  Pomological  Magazine : 

“This  was  raised  by  a gardener  of  the  name  of  Coe,  at  Bury 
St.  Edmund’s,  in  Suflblk,  about  twenty  years  since ; but  from 
the  stone  of  what  variety  is  not  known.  It  is  very  handsome, 
ripens  about  the  end  of  September,  and  will  shrivel  and  keep 
in  a good  state  for  more  than  a month  later ; indeed,  if  pro- 
perly dried,  it  will  keep  as  well  as  ihe  best  Imperatrice  plums. 
It  is  a great  bearer,  but  (in  England)  should  be  trained  upon 
a west  or  east  wall  to  insure  a crop.  Wood  smooth,  deep 
purplish  brown,  with  a few  paler  spots ; leaves  oval,  flat,  taper- 
pointed,  crenated,  smooth,  rather  shining  above ; petioles 
short,  slightly  pubescent,  with  two  globose  glands  near  the 
base  of  the  leaf ; flowers  middle-sized ; petals  roundish  oval, 
imbricated  ; fruit  oval,  of  the  largest  size  among  yellow  plums, 
deeply  marked  with  the  suture,  pitted  at  the  point,  abruptly 
tapering,  and  hollowed  out  at  the  base  for  the  reception  of  the 
stalk  ; stalk  from  half  an  inch  to  an  inch  in  length ; skin 
greenish  yellow,  with  numerous  rich  spots  of  bright  violet-red 
next  the  sun ; flesh  greenish  yellow,  adhering  firmly  to  the 
stone,  and  very  sweet  and  delicious ; stone  sharp-pointed.” 

JERUSALEM.  Pr.  cat.  Lond.  hort.  cat. 

Prunier  de  Jerusalem.  Duh.  | Oeil  de  Bmvf.  De  Bordeaux. 

This  large  and  beautiful  plum  is  almost  round,  its  length 


9G 


PLUMS. 


is  twenty  to  twenty-one  lines,  and  its  diameter  nineteen ; it  is 
supported  on  a peduncle  six  lines  long,  two-thirds  of  which 
extends  within  a deep  cavit}^  at  the  base  of  the  fruit,  from 
which  a suture  forming  simply  a line  runs  to  its  extremity, 
which  is  sensibly  flattened ; the  skin  is  dark  purple,  almost 
black,  with  a slight  bloom  ; the  flesh  is  yellowish,  a little  in- 
clining to  bitter,  its  flavour  is  not  particularly  pleasant,  or  at 
best  but  moderately  so,  and  is  far  from  what  might  be  expected 
from  the  fine  appearance  of  the  fruit ; the  stone  is  an  inch 
long,  very  flat,  and  partially  adheres  to  the  flesh.  This  plum 
is  not  very  common  even  in  France,  it  ripens  at  the  end  of 
July  or  beginning  of  August,  and  is  esteemed  rather  for  its 
beauty  than  for  its  quality. 

CYPRIAN.  Auth. 

Prune  de  Chypre  Duh. 

De  Chypre.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

This  is  a very  beautiful  fruit,  of  almost  a globular  form,  be- 
ing nineteen  lines  long,  and  nineteen  and  a half  in  diameter  ; 
the  longitudinal  suture,  which  extends  on  one  side  for  its  whole 
length,  is  not  very  conspicuous ; the  peduncle  is  large,  seven 
lines  in  length,  and  inserted  in  a rather  spacious  cavity ; the 
skin  is  of  a fine  violet  hue,  covered  with  bloom,  tough,  acid, 
and  separates  with  difliculty  from  the  flesh,  which  is  firm, 
greenish,  with  a sweet  flavour,  that  is  rather  pleasant  when 
the  fruit  is  fully  ripe,  but  before  that  period  it  is  commonly 
acid  and  bad  tasted ; the  stone  adheres  to  the  flesh,  is  very 
rough,  swollen  on  one  side,  wnth  very  projecting  edges.  This 
plum  ripens  at  the  end  of  July. 

GIFFORD’S  LAFAYETTE.  Pr.  cat. 

This  fine  variety  of  the  plum  is  a seedling  which  bore  last 
season  for  the  first  time.  It  was  transmitted  me  by  David 
Thomas,  Esq.  of  our  State,  and  w as  originated  in  his  neigh- 
bourhood, by  a gentleman  w hose  cognomen  is  attached  lo  it. 
Mr.  T.  remarks  to  me,  that  although  the  tree  was  very  full, 
yet  the  fruit  was  large  and  fine.  It  ripens  in  August,  and  he 


PLUMS. 


97 


states  that  although  he  has  the  Washington,  Green  Gage,  two 
varieties  of  the  Orleans,  and  other  kinds  of  the  first  character, 
he  deems  it  at  least  equal,  if  not  superior  in  flavour  to  any  of 
them,  and  that  he  is  not  singular  in  this  opinion,  as  several  of 
the  first  amateurs  of  fine  fruit  in  that  quarter  think  it  excellent. 

COOPER’S  LARGE  RED.  Pr.  cat. 

Cooper^s  plum.  Coxe. 

Cooper^s  large.  Lond.  Hort.  Cat. 

Cooper's  large  American. 

This  plum  is  of  extraordinary  size,  measuring  within  an 
eighth  of  two  inches  in  each  direction  ; the  skin  is  of  a fine  dark 
purple  colour  ; the  flesh  is  yellowish  green,  rich,  juicy  and  of 
pleasant  flavour.  The  fruit  makes  excellent  preserves,  but 
should  be  used  for  this  purpose  before  fully  ripe,  and  it  has 
been  also  recommended  to  take  off  the  thin  outward  skin. 
This  plum  is  at  maturity  in  August;  its  great  defect  is  an  in- 
clination to  rot,  for  which  it  is  hoped  a preventive  may  be  dis- 
covered. It  is  a native  variety,  and  originated  from  the  stone 
of  an  Orleans  plum,  planted  by  Joseph  Cooper,  Esq.  of  Glou- 
cester county,  New-Jersey. 

KIRKE’S  PLUM.  Pom.  mag.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

This  is  said  to  be  one  of  the  best  plums  they  have  in  Eng- 
land, and  I copy  the  following  description  from  the  Pomolo- 
gical  Magazine,  published  in  London : 

“ It  is  very  handsome,  a most  abundant  bearer  both  as  a 
standard  and  upon  a west  or  east  wall,  and  its  flavour  is 
scarcely  inferior  to  that  of  the  Green  Gage.  It  was  first 
brought  into  notice  by  Mr.  Kirke,  whose  name  it  bears,  and 
was  met  with  by  that  gentleman  in  a singular  way.  Passing 
along  the  street  one  day,  he  was  struck  with  the  beauty  of  a 
basket  of  plums  in  a fruiterer’s  window.  Upon  tasting  them, 
he  was  surprised  to  find  that  they  excelled  in  flavour  any  purple 
plum  with  which  he  was  acquainted.  The  fruiterer  had  re- 
ceived them  from  a gardener  in  the  country,  who,  it  afterwards 
appeared,  had  procured  the  variety  from  the  garden  of  a gea- 

VOL.  11.  13 


98 


PLUMS. 


tleman  in  his  neighbourhood,  and  to  that  garden  it  was  said 
to  have  been  introduced  from  some  foreign  country.  We  have 
in  vain  sought  to  trace  it  in  the  writings  of  foreign  pomologi- 
cal  authors ; and  we  therefore  figure  it  for  the  sake  of  making 
it  known  through  the  means  of  this  publication.  A plum  as 
hardy  and  prolific  as  the  Orleans,  as  handsome  as  the  Damask, 
and  as  good  as  the  Green  Gage,  cannot  be  too  extensively  cul- 
tivated ; it  ripens  in  the  beginning  of  September  ; wood  very 
like  that  of  the  Red  Magnum  Bonum  ; flowers  resembling 
those  of  the  Reine  Claude  Violette,  which,  however,  this  is 
not ; leaves  like  those  of  the  Green  Gage  ; fruit  large,  round- 
ish oval,  rather  broadest  at  the  base ; suture  slightly  de- 
pressed ; stalk  three  quarters  of  an  inch  long,  very  little  sunk 
at  its  point  of  insertion  ; apex  not  depressed ; skin  covered  with 
a close,  firm,  copious,  azure  bloom,  through  w'hich  appear  a 
few  golden  specks : this  bloom  is  extremely  remarkable,  and 
does  not  readily  rub  ofi* ; flesh  greenish  yellow,  firm,  juicy, 
and  rich ; stone  middle-sized,  irregularly  and  broadly  oval, 
flattened,  with  a groove  or  channel  along  one  face.  The  ac- 
companying figure  was  taken  from  a specimen  grown  on  a wall. 
There  is  another  plum  in  cultivation  about  London  like  this, 
purple,  a great  bearer,  and  also  called  Kirke’s,  but  it  is  of 
very  inferior  quality.  Purchasers  will  do  well  to  bear  this  in 
mind.” 


ELFREY.  Pr.  cat.  Coxe.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

ElfretlCs  prune.  Elfrey’s  prune. 

This  tree  is  of  very  vigorous  growth,  the  foliage  is  luxu- 
riant and  glossy,  and  has  a particularly  flourishing  appear- 
ance; the  fruit  is  about  an  inch  and  three-eighths  in  length, 
and  an  inch  in  diameter ; the  skin  is  blue ; the  flesh  of  a green- 
ish colour,  firm,  rich,  somewhat  dry  and  of  a pleasant  flavour ; 
the  fruit  frequently  splits  open  when  fully  ripe.  This  plum  is 
much  admired  and  ripens  in  August ; the  tree  is  exceedingly 
productive.  There  appear  to  be  two  distinct  varieties  culti- 
vated in  gardeds  under  the  name  of  the  present  one. 


PLUMS. 


99 


LATE  CHALONS.  Pr.  cat. 

Tardif  de  Chalons.  Tardive  de  Chalons.  N.  Duh. 

This  fruit  is  nearly  oval,  sometimes  a little  contracted  at  the 
base ; it  is  fourteen  lines  in  length,  and  thirteen  in  diameter ; 
the  skin  is  at  first  of  a whitish  yellow  hue,  with  a slight  tinge 
of  red  next  the  peduncle  ; afterwards  at  its  full  maturity,  the 
skin  becomes  wholly  of  a pale  violet  colour,  covered  with 
bloom  ; the  flesh  is  yellowish,  melting  and  very  juicy ; pre- 
vious to  its  attaining  its  full  maturity,  it  is  slightly  acid,  and  as 
it  possesses  more  flavour  when  in  that  state,  it  is  in  reality 
better  than  when  perfectly  ripe,  at  which  period  it  acquires  a 
sweet  taste,  but  is  devoid  of  flavour ; the  stone  is  rather  rough 
and  adheres  to  the  flesh.  This  plum  is  very  late,  not  ripening 
until  the  first  part  of  October.  It  is  stated  in  the  New  Duha- 
mel,  that  the  authors  had  only  met  with  this  variety  in  the 
Jardin  des  Plantes,  which  shows  that  it  is  rare. 

LUCOMBE’S  NONSUCH.  Pom.  Mag. 

I extract  the  following  description  of  this  plum  from  the 
Pomological  Magazine : 

“ This  valuable  variety  has  been  lately  raised  from  seed  by 
Messrs.  Lucombe,  Pince,  and  Co.,  of  Exeter,  by  whom  we 
were  favoured  with  the  specimen  now  represented.  It  is  un- 
doubtedly the  nearest  approach  that  has  as  yet  been  made  on 
the  part  of  a seedling  to  the  famous  Green  Gage  of  the  Eng- 
lish, or  Reine  Claude  of  the  French,  and  although  it  cannot 
be  said  to  equal,  in  all  respects,  that  celebrated  variety,  it  is 
nevertheless  entitled  to  a character  of  ver}*  high  excellence. 
It  bears  well  as  a standard,  is  remarkably  handsome,  as  it  were 
variegated  with  dull  yellow  and  orange,  and  larger  than  the 
Green  Gage  usually  is.  We  consider  it  an  important  acquisi- 
tion to  our  varieties  of  plums  ; ripens  about  the  end  of  August; 
wood  very  like  that  of  the  Green  Gage,  strong,  short-jointed, 
smooth,  brown,  sprinkled  in  some  places  with  a brownish  epi- 
dermis ; leaves  middle-sized,  ovate  or  broadly  oval,  acuminate. 


100 


PLUMS. 


doubly  crenated,  quite  smooth  on  the  upper  surface ; petioles 
strong,  about  an  inch  in  length ; flowers  middle-sized ; petals 
roundish  oblong,  somewhat  concave  at  the  top  ; fruit  extremely 
like  a Green  Gage  plum  in  colour,  but  more  streaked  with 
yellow,  covered  with  a fine  glaucous  bloom,  generally  com- 
pressed in  the  direction  of  its  suture,  which  is  the  reverse  of 
the  usual  mode  of  compression  in  stone  fruit ; stone  adhering 
firmly  to  the  flesh,  ovate,  not  very  uneven  ; flesh  firm,  juicy,  of 
the  colour  and  consistence  of  a Green  Gage  plum  ; flavour  be- 
tween that  and  an  Orleans,  better  than  the  latter,  but  perhaps 
not  so  good  as  the  former,  when  in  its  highest  perfection. 

ROGNON  D’ANE.  N.  Dun.  Calvel. 

This  fruit  is  of  very  large  size,  and  also  of  a very  dark  pur- 
ple colour,  almost  black  ; it  greatly  resembles  the  Yellow  Egg 
in  point  of  form,  and  attains  its  maturity  at  the  beginning  of 
September. 

DUANE’S  PURPLE  FRENCH.  Pr.  cat.  Pr.  Hort. 

Duane's  large  purple.  Duane's  large  Orleans. 

This  plum  I received  from  my  esteemed  friend  James  Du- 
ane, Esq.  of  Duanesburg,  who  obtained  it  originally  from 
France  many  years  since.  Its  colour  is  a pale  purple  or 
violet ; its  flesh  is  juicy  and  fine  flavoured,  and  it  is  of  mon- 
strous size ; indeed  I never  recollect  seeing  a larger  purple 
plum ; it  ripens  the  beginning  of  August.  The  tree  is  of 
exceedingly  vigorous  growth,  and  the  bark  of  the  young  shoots 
is  downy  and  of  a grayish  colour.  The  fruit  ripens  in  the 
month  of  August. 

PRUNE  D’AST.  N.  Duh.  Calvel. 

This  plum,  M.  Calvel  remarks,  is  very  little  known  in  the 
northern  departments  of  France,  but  it  is  much  cultivated  and 
in  high  estimation  in  the  south  of  that  country  for  making 
prunes.  It  is  preferred  to  the  Agen  Date,  which  it  greatly  re- 
sembles ; it  is  however,  of  larger  size  and  not  equally  good 


PLUMS. 


101 


for  eating.  The  period  of  its  ripening  is  the  middle  of  Au- 
gust ; there  is  a sub-variety  which  has  always  a double  kernel. 

BINGHAM.  Pk.  cat.  Pr.  Hort. 

This  fruit  is  of  a large  size,  oval  form,  and  yellow  colour, 
and  in  its  shape  and  appearance  assimilates  to  the  Yellow  Egg, 
but  is  of  smaller  dimensions;  the  flesh  is  tender,  juicy,  and  of 
good  flavour  ; the  tree  is  of  luxuriant  growth.  There  can  be 
little  doubt  but  this  variety  is  also  cultivated  under  a difierent 
title,  as  the  one  here  adopted  appears  to  be  of  local  applica- 
tion, arising  from  ignorance  of  its  true  name.  The  fruit  ri- 
pens early  in  August.  I received  this  variety  from  Philadel- 
phia, where  it  appears  to  have  received  its  title  from  a family 
of  the  name  of  Bingham. 

WINE  PLUM.  CoxE. 

This  fruit  is  above  an  inch  and  a half  long,  and  about  an 
inch  and  three-eighths  in  diameter  at  the  largest  part;  the 
form  is  oblong,  diminishing  both  towards  the  base  and  the  ex- 
tremity ; the  peduncle  is  long  in  proportion  to  the  size  of  the 
fruit ; the  skin  is  of  a pale  green  hue,  and  the  flesh  juicy,  rich 
and  of  good  flavour.  This  plum  ripens  in  August,  and  Mr. 
Coxe  makes  the  remark  that  it  is  less  in  size  than  the  White 
Magnum  Bonum,  but  otherwise  much  like  it  in  appearance. 

WINESOUR.  PrI  cat.  Lond.  Hort.  cat.  For. 

This  plum  is  from  Yorkshire,  England,  and  is  one  of  the 
best  for  preserving  ; it  is  of  oblong  form,  and  somewhat  larger 
than  a Damson ; the  skin  is  of  a dark  purple  or  blackish  co- 
lour when  ripe ; the  flesh  is  yellow,  juicy,  of  a pleasant  acid 
flavour,  and  adheres  to  the  stone.  The  fruit  ripens  in  Octo- 
ber ; the  tree  produces  abundantly,  and  will  succeed  in  any 
soil,  but  flourishes  most  in  limestone  or  gravel. 

WETHERILL’S  SWEET.  Pr.  cat.  Pr.  hort. 

Lond.  hort.  cat. 

This  fruit  is  of  small  size,  being  but  little  larger  than  the 
Late  Purple  Damson  ; the  flesh  is  sweet,  of  delicious  flavour, 
and  adheres  to  the  stone.  It  is  at  maturity  in  August. 


102 


PLUMS. 


/ - 

NECTARINE  PLUM.  Pom.  Mag. 

Caledonia.  Goliath,  of  some  collections. 

Prune  Piche.  Lond.  Hort.  cat.  No.  190  syn. 

Howell’s  large. 

The  following  details  relative  to  this  plum  I copy  from  the 
Pomological  Magazine : 

“ Two  plums,  which  it  is  presumed  will  now  be  rendered 
very  distinct,  have  hitherto  been  confused  under  the  names 
- of  Nectarine  plum,  Goliath,  and  Caledonian.  They  are 
ranged  as  synonymous  in  Hooker’s  Pomona  Londinensis, 
in  Forsyth,  seventh  edition,  and  in  the  London  Horticultural 
Society’s  Catalogue.  The  Nectarine  plum  will  however  be 
found  superior  to  the  other,  which  is  more  generally  cultivated 
under  the  name  of  Goliath.  The  appearance  of  the  two  sorts 
of  fruit  is  considerably  alike,  but  in  order  to  distinguish  them 
very  readily,  it  will  be  only  necessary  to  observe  that  the 
shoots  of  this  sort  are  glabrous,  and  those  of  the  other  very 
pubescent.  This  smoothness  and  pubescence  extends  also  to 
the  fruit  stalks  of  the  respective  sorts,  so  that  they  may  be 
known  by  them  independent  of  the  shoots.  This  is  a good 
bearer  and  ripens  in  July,  being  considerably  earlier  than  the 
Goliath. 

“ The  wood  is  strong,  shoots  glabrous,  brownish  violet 
where  exposed  to  the  sun ; leaves  large,  ovate,  flat,  or  some- 
what convex,  with  rounded  serratures,  and  having  large 
glands  at  the  base  ; petioles  strong,  scarcely  an  inch  in  length 
on  the  young  shoots ; flowers  large  ; petals  roundish,  much 
imbricated ; fruit  very  large,  like  a nectarine  in  shape  and 
size ; footstalk  smooth,  about  half  an  inch  in  length,  and  of 
moderate  thickness  ; skin  purple,  covered  with  a fine  azure 
bloom ; flesh  dull  greenish  yellow,  somewhat  adhering  to  the 
stone,  but  less  so  than  in  the  Goliath,  compared  with  which  it 
is  much  finer  and  richer,  being  decidedly  the  best  plum  yet 
known  of  its  size  : stone  middle-sized,  oval,  compressed.” 


PLUMS. 


103 


BRICETTE.  Pr.  cat.  Lond.  hort.  cat. 

Bricet.  Bricette.  Duh. 

Petite  Bricette.  Bon.  Jard. 

This  plum  is  of  a peculiar  form,  it  is  oval  and  partially 
compressed  at  the  base,  sixteen  lines  long,  and  twelve  to  thir- 
teen at  its  largest  section  ; the  suture  is  marked  only  by  a 
line  which  is  scarcely  apparent ; the  peduncle  is  nine  lines  in 
length  ; the  flesh  is  yellowish  as  well  as  the  skin,  quite  firm, 
rather  more  dry  than  juicy,  of  an  acid  flavour,  and  without 
any  quality  that  is  particularly  pleasant,  it  separates  readily 
from  the  sione,  which  is  large  in  proportion  to  the  size  of  the 
fruit,  with  quite  a deep  groove  along  one  of  its  edges.  This 
plum  ripens  in  the  course  of  the  month  of  September,  but  as 
it  strongly  adheres  to  the  peduncle  and  that  does  not  detach 
itself  readily  from  the  branch,  it  often  happens  when  people 
neglect  to  gather  it,  that  the  fruit  remains  a very  long  time 
upon  the  tree.  Duhamel  mentions  having  seen  a considera- 
ble quantity  hanging  upon  the  branches  after  they  were  en- 
tirely stripped  of  their  foliage,  which  was  at  the  end  of  No- 
vember. In  this  state  the  fruit  becomes  half  preserved  and 
somewhat  improved  in  sweetness,  but  it  does  not  acquire  any 
very  pleasant  flavour. 

TWICE  BEARING.  Pr.  cat. 

Prune  de  deux  saisons.  ) 

Prunier  quifructijie  deux  fois  par  an.  J 
Deuxfois  Van.  Bon  deux  fois  Van? 

Bifire.  Prune  bifire. 

This  fruit  is  oval,  sixteen  to  seventeen  lines  in  length,  and 
thirteen  to  fourteen  in  diameter;  the  skin  is  at  first  greenish, 
but  in  ripening  acquires  a slight  tinge  of  violet  on  the  side 
next  the  sun,  and  at  its  full  maturity  is  almost  wholly  of  a 
pale  purple  colour,  with  some  fawn-coloured  dots,  the  extrem- 
ity of  the  fruit  being  the  only  part  which  retains  its  greenish 
appearance ; the  peduncle  is  seven  to  eight  lines  long ; the 
flesh  is  greenish,  approaching  to  yellow,  adheres  strongly  to 


104 


PLUMS. 


the  stone,  and  is  soft,  sweetish,  and  without  flavour.  It  ap- 
pears by  the  statement  given  in  the  New  Duhamel,  that  this 
tree  does  not  produce  two  distinct  crops,  but  that  the  fruit  ri- 
pens by  degrees  from  August  to  October,  and  consequently  a 
portion  of  it  hangs  on  the  tree  for  a long  period  after  the  ear- 
liest part  has  attained  its  maturity.  The  Jardin  Fruitier  de- 
scribes a plum  under  the  title  of  Bifere,  as  producing  a crop  in 
July,  and  a second  one  in  September,  and  the  Bon  Jardinier 
copies  from  it,  but  the  statement  wants  confirmation. 

RED  CHICASAW.  Pr.  cat. 

Prunus  Chicasa.  Mich.  Pursh. 

Cherokee.  Lond.  Hort.  Cat.  ? 

Prunier  de  Virginie.  Duh.  ? 

Mandan  plum. 

This  fruit  is  nearly  round  and  of  good  size  ; the  skin  is  of 
a fine  cherry  colour  ; the  flesh  yellowish,  soft  and  melting 
when  at  full  maturity,  with  a pleasant  and  peculiar  flavour. 
This  plum  ripens  from  the  20th  to  the  end  of  July.  The  tree 
is  naturally  low  set  and  bushy,  being  inclined  to  spread  its 
branches  but  a short  distance  from  the  ground.  It  also  throws 
out  short  spurs,  with  leaves  on  them,  each  of  which  is  termi- 
nated by  a sharp  pointed  thorn.  Numerous  suckers  spring 
up  from  the  root  and  serve  as  a means  of  propagation  ; but 
the  trees  which  are  inoculated  on  other  stocks  attain  the 
handsomest  form  and  make  far  the  best  appearance,  and  they 
have  also  the  advantage  of  not  generating  suckers  to  the  same 
extent.  There  is  another  variety  which  produces  yellow  fruit, 
but  it  difiers  only  in  respect  to  colour. 

WHITE  PEAR  PLUM.  Pr.  cat.  Mil.  Load.  hort.  cat. 

This  fruit  is  suitable  for  preserves,  but  is  very  unpleasant 
to  eat  in  a tiatural  state ; it  ripens  very  late  in  the  season. 
The  tree  is  seldom  cultivated  except  for  stocks  to  inoculate  the 
other  varieties  of  plums  upon,  and  also  the  choice  kinds  of 
Peaches  and  Apricots.  There  is  also  a dark  coloured  variety 
called  the  Black  Pear  plum. 


PLUMS. 


105 


MUSCLE.  Pr.  cat.  Mil.  Lond.  hort.  cat. 

Mussel. 

The  chief  use  made  of  this  tree  is  also  to  form  stocks  on 
which  to  propagate  the  other  varieties  of  plums,  as  well  as 
peaches  and  apricots.  The  fruit  is  of  an  oblong  form,  and 
dark  red  colour ; the  stone  is  large  in  proportion,  and  the 
flesh  is  but  thin,  and  not  of  good  flavour. 

BULLACE.  Pr.  cai.  Mil. 

Prunus  insititia. 

This  is  a distinct  species  of  the  plum  ; the  tree  grows  twelve 
to  fifteen  feet  high  or  more,  the  branches  are  generally  thorny, 
and  the  leaves  are  on  short  petioles  ; the  fruit  is  acid,  “ but 
so  tempered  by  sweetness  and  roughness  as  not  to  be  un- 
pleasant,” especially  after  it  is  mellowed  by  frost.  A conserve 
is  made  by  adding  to  the  fruit  thrice  its  weight  in  sugar.  An 
infusion  of  the  flowers  sweetened  with  sugar  is  a mild  purga- 
tive, not  improper  for  children  ; the  bark  of  the  roots  and 
branches  is  considerably  styptic.  There  are  two  varieties, 
called  the  White  and  the  Black  Bullace,  which  produce  fruit 
of  the  different  colours  corresponding  to  their  titles. 

BRIANCON.  Pr.  cat.  Lond.  hort.  cat. 

Prunus  Brigantiaca. 

This  species  grows  only  to  the  height  of  eight  to  ten  feet ; 
the  leaves  are  oval  and  glabrous,  bordered  with  unequal 
indentures,  and  terminate  in  a rather  acute  point.  The 
flowers  appear  in  the  month  of  April,  before  the  leaves ; they 
are  ranged  along  the  branches  in  the  same  situations  which 
were  occupied  by  the  leaves  of  the  previous  season,  and  there 
are  usually  three  or  four  together.  The  fruit  is  nearly  globu- 
lar, smooth,  of  a pale  yellow  colour,  with  some  reddish  touches 
next  to  the  sun  ; the  flesh  is  yellow,  partially  acid  before  fully 
ripe,  and  even  at  maturity  not  very  pleasant,  but  of  a rather 
insipid  flavour.  The  stone  separates  freely  from  the  flesh,  and 

VOL.  II.  14 


106 


PLUMS. 


contains  a bitter  kernel.  The  Marinotte  oil,  {Vhuile  de  Mar- 
motte,)  which  sells  in  France  at  double  the  price  of  olive  oil, 
is  extracted  from  the  stones  of  this  fruit ; it  is  as  sweet  as  that 
extracted  from  the  almond,  and  more  inflammable.  The  tree 
is  of  very  easy  culture,  and  its  appearance  is  very  different 
from  that  of  other  plum  trees,  being  intermediate  between  the 
plum  and  the  apricot. 

SLOE.  Pr.  cat. 


White  blossomed  Sloe. 

Black  thorn.  Prunelier.  Prunus  spinosa. 

Prunier  epineux.  Epine  noire. 

Common  Sloe.  Prunallier.  } j jo*  * 

o / Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

Petit  prunallier.  ^ 

This  is  naturally  a large  shrub,  rather  than  a tree ; it  some- 
times attains  to  ten  or  twelve  feet  in  height,  seldom  more,  and 
frequently  forms  only  a bush  of  a few  feet  high.  The  large 
branches  form  numerous  small  twigs,  from  one  to  three  inches 
in  length,  each  of  which  is  terminated  by  a thorn ; the  bark  is 
of  a ruddy  brown  colour,  and  in  some  cases  of  a grayish  hue ; 
the  leaves  are  numerous,  small,  and  finely  indented ; the  flowers, 
which  are  snfall  and  white,  are  produced  in  great  numbers 
along  the  branches,  and  particularly  on  those  which  are 
thorny,  and  render  the  shrub  very  ornamental.  The  fruit  is 
small,  almost  globular,  of  a .dark  violet  colour,  and  covered 
with  a thick  bloom ; it  is  very  acid,  powerfully  astringent,  and 
hangs  on  the  trees  until  long  after  frost,  which  is  said  to  some- 
what ameliorate  it;  when  made  into  a conserve  it  is  very 
efficacious  in  cases  of  hoarseness  and  common  colds.  The 
Double-flowering  Sloe  is  a very  showy,  beautiful  shrub,  of 
rather  lower  growth,  and  produces  no  fruit.  The  leaves  of 
the  Sloe  are  used  in  the  vicinity  of  London  to  make  an 
imitation  of  tea. 

LARGE  PEACH  PLUM.  Pr.  cat. 


Prune  ptche.  Duh.  Calvel.  Bon.  Jard. 

Peach  plum.  Pr.  Hort. 

This  tree  is  of  exceedingly  vigorous  growth,  and  appears 
to  be  particularly  adapted  to  our  climate.  Although  intro- 


PLUMS. 


107 


duced  but  a few  years  since,  it  has  produced  fruit  in  a number 
of  instances,  some  specimens  of  which  were  last  year  exhibited 
to  the  Massachusetts  Horticultural  Society. ' The  fruit  is  of 
very  large  size,  and  of  an  oval  form ; the  skin  is  of  a fine 
purple  colour,  with  a slight  bloom  ; the  flesh  adheres  to  the 
stone,  and  resembles  that  of  the  Monsieur,  but  is  not  quite 
equal  to  it  in  quality.  It  attains  its  maturity  in  the  month  of 
August.  The  Pomological  Magazine  quotes  the  Peach  plum 
of  the  Horticultural  Society’s  Catalogue,  as  a synonyme  of  the 
Nectarine  plum;  but  whether  that  synonyme  refers  to  the  kind 
here  described,  appears  to  be  a point  not  adequately  settled, 
otherwise  the  Prune  peche  of  Duhamel  and  other  French 
authors  would  have  been  also  quoted  as  a synonyme  : such 
omission  would  be  unpardonable  if  the  point  of  identity  had 
been  satisfactorily  ascertained  by  the  authors  of  that  work. 

ISABELLA.  Pom.  mag. 

This  plum  is  said  to  exceed  most  of  the  English  varieties, 
and  to  be  secondary  only  to  the  Gkeen  Gage,  Coe’s  Golden 
Drop,  the  Washington,  and  other  plums  of  primary  excel- 
lence. The  Pomological  Magazine  gives  the  following  ac- 
count of  it : 

“ This  tree  is  said  to  produce  three  crops  a year.  In  the 
specimens  we  examined  there  was  fruit  perfectly  ripe  and  half 
grown.  The  shoots  are  vigorous,  brownish,  and  pubescent, 
like  an  Orleans ; the  leaves  middle-sized,  oval,  crenated, 
slightly  pubescent  above ; petioles  of  medium  length  and 
thickness ; flowers  middled-sized  ; petals  roundish,  obovate  ; 
the  fruit  two  inches  and  a quarter  long,  and  one  and  five- 
eighths  broad,  oblong,  and  tapering  towards  the  stalk,  with 
very  little  apparent  suture ; stalk  half  an  inch  long,  very 
slightly  downy ; skin  deep  dull  brownish  red  when  nearly  ripe, 
where  shaded  a little  inclining  to  yellow,  copiously  covered 
with  deep-coloured  dots;  flesh  sweet,  rich,  and  very  agreeable, 
adhering  to  the  stone,  which  is  acute  at  each  end,  but  taper- 
ing  a good  deal  towards  the  base,  and  one  and  a quarter 
inches  long.” 


PLlfMS. 


I0« 


BEACH  PLUM.  Pe.  cat.  Bigelow. 

Prunus  littoraJis.  Bigelow,  j Prunus  sphcerocarpa.  Michanx. 

This  variety  does  not  attain  to  much  height,  but  throws  out 
numerous  branches  at  a short  distance  from  the  ground,  form- 
ing a bushy  shrub  rather  than  a tree.  The  flowers  appear 
before  the  leaves,  in  numerous  umbels,  comprising  from  two 
to  five  each  ; the  fruit  is  globular,  often  an  inch  in  diameter,  of  a 
purple  colour,  with  a glaucous  bloom  ; it  is  pleasant  for  eating, 
and  in  flavour  similar  to  the  common  plum.  Its  natural  loca- 
tion is  near  the  salt  water,  along  the  coast  and  on  islands. 
The  fruit  ripens  in  August  and  September.  Gen.  Dearborn, 
the  enlightened  and  distinguished  President  of  the  Massa- 
chusetts Horticultural  Society,  has  himself  discovered  several 
varieties  of  it  growing  in  a wild  state,  two  of  which  are  purple, 
but  vary  in  respect  to  size,  and  a third  of  a shining  crimson 
colour ; and  it  is  to  his  liberality  that  I am  indebted  for  the 
trees  in  my  collection. 

• 

PRINCE’S  YELLOW  GAGE.  Pr.  cat. 

This  excellent  variety  was  originated  by  the  grandfather  of 
the  author,  in  the  year  1783,  from  a seed  of  the  Green  Gage, 
and  from  some  cause  was  not  until  lately  much  increased  in 
the  nurseries.  The  tree  is  of  strong  and  vigorous  growth,  far 
surpassing  its  parent  in  this  respect ; the  fruit  is  also  of  larger 
size,  and  of  a rather  oval  form,  its  length  being  somewhat 
more  than  its  diameter.  When  the  fruit  has  attained  its  perfect 
maturity  the  skin  is  a bright  yellow,  and  of  an  almost  transpa- 
rent appearance,  with  veins  of  a darker  colour  under  the 
surface  ; the  flesh  is  sweet,  rich,  and  high-flavoured.  The  fruit 
ripens  rather  later  than  the  Green  Gage,  and  is  very  highly 
esteemed. 


CHERRIES. 


BLACK  MAZZARD.  Pr.  cat.  Lo^nd.  hort.  cat. 

Mazzard,  or  Common  Black.  Coxe. 

Bristol  cherry^  of  Rhode-Island. 

Prunus  avium.  Willd.  Pers.  sinop. 

Cerasus  avium.  N.  Duh.  Decand. 

Cerisier  Merisier.  Duh.  | Merisier. 

Cerisier  sauvage.  Hazard. 

Common  Hazard.  Black  honey. 

This  is  the  natural  species  whence  culture  has  obtained  all 
the  fine  varieties  known  by  the  appellations  of  Heart  cher- 
ries and  Bigarreau  cherries.  It  grows  spontaneously  in  the 
forests  of  France,  and  some  other  countries  of  Europe,  and  is 
said  to  be  found  also  in  Africa.  Although  an  exotic  in  our 
country,  it  has  become  so  much  disseminated,  that  thousands 
of  the  trees  are  found  growing  wild  in  the  forests  of  Long 
Island.  It  is  of  rapid  growth,  and  attains  a very  large  size, 
with  a lofty  conical  shaped  head  rising  to  the  height  of  thirty 
to  forty  feet,  which  renders  its  appearance  particularly  grace- 
ful. The  fruit  is  small,  being  but  four  or  five  lines  in  diame- 
ter and  five  or  six  in  height ; its  form  is  more  ovate  than 
heart-shaped  ; the  skin  is  of  a very  dark  red  or  blackish  hue  ; 
the  flesh  is  of  the  same  colour,  acid  and  bitterish  before  matu- 
rity, but  very  sweet,  without  much  flavour  when  perfectly  ripe. 
This  variety  ripens  after  the  Heart  cherries  and  most  other 
varieties  are  past,  and  is  valuable  on  that  account.  The  fruit 
is  much  used  in  this  vicinity  to  make  cherry  brandy  and  cherry 
rum,  for  which  purpose  the  juice  is  distrained,  and  then 
added  to  the  liquor.  Thousands  of  bushels  are  consumed  in 
this  way,  the  fruit  being  sold  at  about  a dollar  per  bushel,  at 
which  price  it  affords  a handsome  profit  to  the  owners  of  the 
trees,  as  the  crops  are  exceedingly  abundant.  The  trees  of 


110 


QIIERRIES. 


this  and  of  the  Yellow  Honey  cherry  are  planted  in  great 
numbers  along  the  sides  of  the  highways  in  many  parts  of 
Long  Island,  and  hundreds  of  children  regale  themselve  swith 
the  fruit  at  the  period  of  its  maturity. 

LARGE  BLACK  MERISE.  Pk.  cat. 

Merisier  a ^ros  fruit  noir.  Grosse  Merise  noire.  N.  Duh. 

Corone  ? Caroon  ? Kirchenwasser  ? 

This  tree  does  not  attain  so  great  a height  as  the  smaller 
fruited  varieties  ; its  leaves  are,  however,  of  a darker  green, 
and  their  nerves  are  usually  of  a reddish  colour.  The  fruit, 
in  its  size,  approaches  that  of  the  smallest  Heart  cherries  ; it  is 
oblong,  aqd  has  a long  peduncle ; the  flesh  is  tender,  very  dark 
red,  and  almost  black,  mild,  sweet,  but  without  much  flavour. 
This  variety  is  cultivated  for  its  fruit,  which  is  made  use  of  in 
Europe  to  colour  the  ratafia ; it  is  also  used  to  make  the 
famous  Kirchenwasser. 

YELLOW  HONEY.  Pr.  cat. 

Honey.  Coxe. 

Merisier  a fruit  hlanc.  Merise  blanche.  N.  Duh, 

Cerise  hlunche.  Cerise  amhr€e,  erroneously. 

Large  Yellow  Honey.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

This  tree  attains  to  nearly  or  quite  as  great  a height  as  the 
Black  Mazzard,  and  is  more  spreading  in  its  form  ; the  fruit  is 
round,  about  six  lines  in  diameter,  yellow,  approaching  to  an 
amber  hue,  and  partially  tinged  with  red  on  the  part  exposed  to 
the  sun  ; it  is  bland,  sweet,  and  very  pleasant,  and  much  supe- 
rior to  the  two  other  varieties  of  the  Merise  which  immediately 
precede  this,  and  to  the  one  that  is  next  after  described.  The 
fruit  ripens  late,  and  at  about  the  same  time  as  the  Black  Maz- 
zard, which  gives  it  additional  value. 

YELLOW  FRUITED  MERISE.  Auth. 

Merisier  a fruit  jaune.  Merise  jaune.  N.  Duh. 

This  variety  is  distinguished  from  the  preceding  one  by  the 
colour  of  its  fruit,  which  is  entirely  of  a yellow  colour  ; its 
flavour  is  also  considered  to  be  rather  inferior  to  the  foregoing 


one. 


CHEIllUES. 


Ill 


BLACK  CARONE.  Pr.  cat.  Lang.  For. 

Corone.  Lang.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

Caroan.  Coroun. 

This  is  a large  and  improved  variety  of  the  Black  Mazzard, 
which  it  resembles  in  form,  colour,  and  general  properties ; 
the  fruit  ripens  about  the  same  time,  and  may  be  used  for  the 
same  purposes  ; but  its  size  renders  it  more  suitable  for  the 
dessert.  The  tree  yields  plentiful  crops. 

LARGE  DOUBLE  FLOWERING.  Pr.  cat.  Pr.  hort. 

Cerasus  avium y multiplex.  Lond.  Hort.  Brit. 

Prunus  avium,  jlore  plena. 

Prunus  cerasus,  jlore  plena. 

Merisier  a Jleurs  doubles.  Duh.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

This  variety  is  of  the  same  species  as  the  Heart  Cherries, 
and  it  consequently  forms  a large  tree.  In  growth  and  foliage 
it  resembles  the  Mazzard  and  the  Black  Heart ; the  flowers 
are  from  one  to  one  and  a half  inches  in  diameter,  and  are 
composed  of  about  forty  perfectly  whit^  petals  disposed  in  the 
form  of  a rose,  with  about  thirty  stamens,  and  a very  large 
pistil  which  is  abortive.  These  very  double  flowers  are  pro- 
duced in  great  numbers,  resembling  clusters  of  small  white 
roses,  and  render  the  tree  one  of  the  greatest  ornaments  of 
the  garden  ; and  when  it  has  acquired  to  a considerable  size, 
which  its  rapid  growth  enables  it  speedily  to  attain,  the  dis- 
play of  its  great  profusion  of  bloss^oms  is  peculiarly  striking. 
I have  never  yet  known  this  tree  to  produce  fruit.  Its  flowers 
expand  at  about  the  same  period  as  those  of  other  cherries, 
but  continue  for  a longer  period. 


EARLY  GUIGNE.  Auth. 

Guigne  precace. 

Guigne  de  la  Pentecdte 


This  fruit  begins  to  ripen  at  the  end  of  the  month  of  May  ; 
it  is  then  small,  whitish  tinged  with  light  red,  and  almost  de- 
void of  flavour  ; but,  as  it  is  one  of  the  earliest  varieties,  it  is 
esteemed  as  an  appendage  to  the  desert.  About  the  middle  of 


112 


CHERKIES. 


June,  when  It  has  attained  its  full  size  and  perfect  maturity,  it 
sometimes  measures  nine  lines  in  diameter  and  seven  in  height, 
and  the  skin  acquires  a darker  hue,  and  becomes  of  a fine  red 
colour  upon  a pale  yellow  ground  ; the  flesh  is,  at  that  period, 
rather  firm,  and  of  a pleasant  flavour.  There  is  a sub-variety  of 
this  Cherry,  which  differs  only  in  being  of  much  larger  size. 

RED  GUIGNE.  Auth. 

Guigne  rouge.  Duh. 

This  fruit  is  more  oblong  than  the  early  Guigne,  and  of 
rather  larger  size,  being  nine  lines  in  height  and  the  same  in 
diameter  ; its  skin  is  entirely  red  ; the  flesh  soft  and  delicate, 
but  not  very  high  flavoured.  It  ripens  in  June. 

EARLY  WHITE  GUIGNE.  Pr.  cat. 

Guigne  hlanche.  ) 

Guigne  a gros  fruit  hlanc.  ^ 

White  Heart  7 

This  variety  i»  not  so  large  as  the  preceding  one,  but  more 
oblong  ; the  side,  whith  is  shaded,  is  of  a dingy  white  ; that 
which  is  exposed  to  the  sun  is  washed  with  red  or  flesh  colour ; 
and  when  the  fruit  is  very  much  exposed,  it  frequently  happens 
that  a portion  of  it  becomes  tinged  almost  wholly  with  light 
red.  The  flesh  is  white,  somewhat  firm,  and  of  an  agreeable 
flavour.  The  fruit  ripens  about  the  middle  of  June.  . 

BLACK  GUIGNE,  Auth. 

Guigne  noire.  Guigne  d fruit  noir,  Duh. 

This  variety  is  smaller  than  either  of  the  two  preceding 
ones  ; it  has  a thin  skin,  which  is  brown,  and  nearly  black 
when  the  fruit  is  fully  ripe  ; the  flesh  is  of  a very  dark  red 
colour,  tender  without  being  soft,  and  of  good  flavour.  It  is 
at  maturity  the  beginning  of  June. 

SMALL  BLACK  GUIGNE.  Auth. 

Petite  Guigne  noire.  Guigne  d fruit  noir.  Duh. 

This  variety  does  not  differ  greatly  from  the  preceding  one  ; 


CHERRIES. 


113 


its  fruit  is,  however,  of  less  length  ; its  flesh  is  not  of  as  deep 
a red  colour,  and  it  is  also  rather  inferior  to  it  in  point  of  fla- 
vour. 

GUIGNE  BIGAUDELLE.  N.  Duh.  Le  Berr. 

This  cherry  resembles  in  its  form  the  Early  Guigne  ; but 
its  skin  is  brownish  red,  and  becomes  nearly  black  at  perfect 
maturity  ; the  flesh  is  dark  red,  somewhat  firm,  and  of  a rich 
flavour  in  warm  and  light  soils.  It  ripens  at  the  end  of  June. 

LATE  WHITE  GUIGNE.  Auth. 

Guigne  blanche  tardive.  Guigne  de  Dure  Peau.  N.  Duh. 

This  variety  is  nearly  round,  but  has  a rather  deep  longitu- 
dinal suture  ; the  skin  is  whitish,  or  of  a very  pale  amber  hue, 
tinged  with  light  red  ; the  flesh  is  firm,  and  of  quite  an  agree- 
able taste.  It  is  stated  in  the  New  Duhamel,  that  it  does  not 
attain  its  maturity  in  France  until  September.  I have  not  had 
an  opportunity  of  deciding  that  point  as  regards  our  country. 

LATE  RED  GUIGNE.  Auth. 

Guigne  rouge  tardive.  N.  Duh. 

Guigne  defer,  ou  de  Saint  Gilles. 

Iron  Cherry. 

This  cherry  is  quite  round,  of  a dark  violet  colour,  ap- 
proaching black  ; it  is  one  of  the  latest  varieties,  and  even  in 
the  South  of  France  does  not  ripen  till  July.  The  French 
writers  state,  that  in  the  northern  part  of  that  country  it  does 
not  attain  its  maturity  until  September. 

BLACK  TARTARIAN.  Pr.  cat.  Pr.  hort.  Pom.  mag. 

Lond.  iiort.  cat. 

Black  Circassian.  Hook.  Pom. 

FrasePs  Black  Tartarian.  ^ 

Fraser's  Black  Heart.  „ „ . . 

Ronald's  Black  Heart.  I y^nons  collections 

Superb  Circassian.  gardens. 

Black  Russian.  j 

This  very  superior  variety  was  long  since  introduced  to  our 
country  by  the  father  of  the  author,  through  whose  exertions 

VOL.  II.  15 


114 


CHERRIES. 


thousands  of  the  trees  have  been  disseminated  in  the  Union. 
I copy  the  following  description  from  the  Pomological  Manual : 

“ This  cherry  is  generally  considered  to  have  been  brought 
into  this  country  by  the  late  Mr.  John  Fraser,  from  Russia. 
In  the  account  given  of  it  in  the  Pomona  Londinensis,  it  is 
stated  to  have  been  introduced  from  Circassia  by  Mr.  Hugh 
Ronalds,  of  Brentford,  in  1794.  We  have  also  heard  it  said 
that  it  originated  in  Spain,  whence  it  was  transmitted  to  the 
Russian  Gardens,  and  through  them  into  England.  It  is  a 
cherry  of  great  excellence,  bearing  well  as  a standard,  but 
doing  best  on  an  east  or  west  wall,  on  which  its  branches  are 
usually  loaded  with  a profusion  of  rich  and  handsome  fruit. 
It  has  received  in  our  gardens  a variety  of  names,  of  which 
those  given  here  are  only  a portion  ; but  those  which  are  omit- 
ted are  readily  referable  to  some  of  the  above.  The  wood 
is  vigorous  ; the  branches  upright,  the  bark  of  the  young 
shoots  light-coloured  and  spotted ; leaves  large,  pendulous, 
waved  on  the  margin,  evenly  serrated,  deep  green,  veins  pro- 
minent beneath  ; flowers  large  ; petals  roundish  oval,  concave 
and  imbricating  ; stamens  shorter  than  the  styles  ; fruit  large, 
heart-shaped,  with  an  uneven  surface,  and  of  a shining  pur- 
plish black  colour  ; flesh  purplish,  juicy  and  rich  ; stone  mid- 
dle-sized, roundish  ovate.” 

WHITE  TARTARIAN.  Pr.  cat.  Pr.  hort.  For. 

LoND.  nORT.  CAT. 

White  Transparent, 

Transparent  Crimea. 

Fraser’s  White  Tartarian. 

White  Transparent. 

Lady  Southampton’s  Duke. 

Yellow. 

The  cherry,  long  cultivated  and  most  generally  known  by 
this  title,  I discovered,  a few  years  since,  to  be  entirely  erro- 
neous, it  being  nothing  more  than  a half  barren  variety  of  the 
White  Heart.  The  genuine  kind  is  a beautiful  fruit,  of  me- 
dium size,  excellent  quality,  and  of  a transparent  appearance. 
The  tree  grows  rapidly,  erect  like  the  White  Heart,  and  beai’s 
well ; the  fruit  ripens  in  June,  and  is  highly  esteemed. 


CHERRIES. 


115 


BLACK  HEART.  Pr.  cat.  Law.  Mil.  Lang.  For. 

Lond.  hort.  cat. 

Large  Black  Heart.  Coxe. 

This  tree  acquires  the  very  largest  dimensions  attainable 
by  any  of  its  class  ; the  branches  spread  widely,  and  frequent- 
ly form  a head  of  thirty-five  to  forty  feet  in  diameter,  the  sum- 
mit of  which  is  about  thirty  to  thirty-five  in  height.  It  grows 
vigorously,  and  is  one  of  the  most  productive  in  its  crops. 
This  variety  is  more  extensively  cultivated  in  this  vicinity  than 
any  other,  probably  from  the  circumstance  of  its  early  intro- 
duction, as  well  as  from  its  good  qualities  already  referred  to, 
and  fully  one  half  of  the  cherries  sold  in  the  markets  of  New- 
York  are  of  this  kind.  The  fruit  is  of  fine  size,  of  a heart- 
shape,  and  blackish  when  at  full  maturity ; but  it  is  generally 
picked  before  it  is  ripe,  when  its  colour  is  only  red,  and  it  has 
attained  but  two-thirds  of  its  size ; the  flesh,  when  perfectly 
ripe,  is  very  sweet,  rich,  juicy,  and  high  flavoured,  and  it 
is  even  quite  sweet  before  maturity,  when  the  skin  has  only 
acquired  its  red  colour.  The  tree  is  of  the  most  vigorous 
growth,  and  the  fruit  ripens  about  ten  days  after  the  May 
Duke. 

WHITE  HEART.  Pr.  cat.  Lang.  Law.  Mil. 

Lond.  iiort.  cat.  For.  Coxe. 

This  cherry  ripens  immediately  after  the  May  Duke ; the 
tree  attains  to  an  erect  and  rather  conical  form,  spreading 
much  less  than  most  other  varieties  ; the  fruit  is  of  medium 
size,  oblong  and  heart-shaped  ; the  skin  is  of  fine  appearance, 
being  a yellowish  white  on  the  one  side,  and  tinged  with  pale 
red  next  the  sun  ; the  flesh  is  rather  firm,  of  pleasant  flavour, 
accompanied  by  a honied  sweetness.  The  tree  bears  very  in- 
differently, but  grows  with  rapidity  until  it  has  attained  consi- 
derable size.  I noticed,  when  on  a visit  to  the  vicinity  of  Boston, 
in  1826,  that  the  cherry,  to  which  some  gave  this  title,  was  a late 
whitish  firm  fruit,  entirely  different  from  the  present  variety : 
that  error  has,  however,  most  probably  been  corrected  since 


116 


rHERRIES. 


the  formation  of  the  Horticultural  Society  there,  whose  labours 
appear  to  be  most  unwearied,  and  eminently  successful. 

BLACK  EAGLE.  Pr.  cat.  Pom.  mag.  Hort.  Trans. 

The  following  descriptive  remarks  I copy  from  the  Pomo- 
logical  Magazine  : 

“ This  is  as  good  a bearer  as  the  Black  Heart,  and  far 
superior  to  that  variety  in  the  quality  of  its  fruit : it  is  not  to 
be  doubted  that  this  will  one  day  usurp  the  place  of  that  an- 
cient variety  in  our  gardens. 

“ It  was  raised  by  Mr.  Knight  from  a seed  of  the  Ambree  of 
Duhamel,  impregnated  with  the  pollen  of  the  May  Duke  ; 
and  it  really  combines  all  that  is  most  worth  raising  in  both 
these  varieties.  At  least,  such  is  the  account  of  its  origin  as 
given  in  the  Horticultural  Transactions,  vol.  ii.  p.  208,  and  it 
is  probably  the  genuine  history  of  the  variety,  notwithstanding 
a different  account  to  be  found  at  p.  302  of  the  same  volume. 

“ This  is  another  of  the  cherries  raised  by  Mr.  Knight 
which  have  been  allowed  an  introduction  into  this  work  ; 
and  it  is  not  too  much  to  say,  that  the  improved  varieties  ' 
of  the  distinguished  horticulturist,  to  whom  they  owe  their 
origin,  are  among  the,  most  valuable  sorts  that  we  possess. 

It  ripens  soon  after  the  May  Duke  ; the  tree  is  spreading  ; 
branches  strong,  dark  brow  n,  partially  sprinkled  with  a gray- 
ish epidermis  ; leaves  oblong,  acuminate,  broadest  about  two- 
thirds  from  the  base,  doubly  serrated,  but  not  so  deeply  as 
those  of  the  Heart  Cherries  generally  are  ; partaking  also  of 
the  thick  texture  of  the  leaves  of  the  Duke  Cherries  ; from 
their  larger  size,  pendulous  growth,  and  somew^hat  wavy  mar- 
gin, they  are  rather  more  allied  to  those  of  the  former ; peti- 
oles longish,  and  moderately  strong,  with  reniforin  glands  ; 
flowers  middle-sized  ; stamens  shorter  than  the  style ; petals 
roundish  or  roundish-oval,  concave,  imbricated  ; fruit  between 
heart-shaped  and  round,  flattened  at  top  and  bottom  ; stalk 
short  and  thick,  like  that  of  the  May  Duke  ; skin  black,  when 
the  fruit  is  fully  ripe  and  well  exposed  ; flesh  tender,  with  a 
dark  purplish  juice,  rich  and  high  flavoured  ; stone  small, 
round.” 


CHEllRIES. 


117 


KLKHORN.  Pr.  cat.  Pk.  hort.  Lond.  hort,  cat. 

Elkhorn^  of  Maryland. 

This  is  one  of  the  largest  black  cherries  I have  ever  seen  ; 
its  size  varies  little  from  that  of  the  Black  Tartarian,  but  it 
ripens  two  weeks  later,  and  is  peculiarly  distinct  from  every 
other  kind  that  has  met  my  observation,  the  flesh,  when  eaten, 
having  a liver-like  consistence  and  being  very  solid.  It  is  per- 
haps less  highly  flavoured  than  some  others,  but  still  a superior 
fruit ; and  from  its  solidity  is  well  calculated  for  transportation 
to  the  markets,  and  its  ripening  at  a later  period  causes  it  to 
be  very  suitable  for  filling  up  the  space  between  the  ripen- 
ing of  the  earlier  Duke  and  Heart  Cherries,  and  the  later 
varieties.  It  was  discovered  by  the  father  of  the  author  on  a 
tour  through  Maryland  about  thirty-four  years  ago,  growing 
in  a garden  attached  to  a hotel,  who  finding  it  very  different 
from  any  that  he  had  seen,  brought  home  some  scions  for 
inoculation.  The  landlord  called  it  the  Elkhorn,  which  name 
has  been  adopted  for  it.  The  tree  is  exceedingly  vigorous, 
and  its  bark  of  so  peculiar  an  appearance,  that  it  may  thereby 
be  distinguished  from  the  trees  of  other  varieties. 

REMINGTON  WHITE  HEART.  Pr.  cat.  Pr.  hort. 

This  variety  was  presented  to  the  father  of  the  author  in 
1823,  by  Zachariah  Allen,  Esq.  of  Providence,  Rhode  Island, 
who  transmitted  a tree,  which  he  stated  was  budded  from  the 
original  one,  accompanied  by  the  following  description  : 

“ This  is  a new  variety  raised  from  a stone,  planted  about 
twenty  years  ago  by  Mr.  Remington  of  this  vicinity.  It  is 
remarkable  for  being  in  perfection  very  late  in  the  season, 
when  all  other  cherries  are  past.  The  colour  of  the  fruit  is 
yellow,  tinged  with  carnation  on  the  sunny  side  ; the  flesh  is 
firm,  and  somewhat  resembles  a Bigarreau.  The  tree  bears 
profusely  in  clusters,  and  the  cherries  are  not  perfectly  ripe 
here  until  September.” 

In  addition  to  the  above,  a branch  was  sent  from  Rliode 
Island  about  the  10th  of  September  full  of  fruit,  which  was 


116 


CHERRIES. 


then  but  just  ripe.  The  flavour  of  the  cherries  is  pleasant, 
but  not  superior,  their  greatest  merit  being  the  very  late 
period  of  their  maturity.  This  is  the  latest  variety  which  has 
originated  in  our  country,  and  in  this  vicinity  ripens  at  the 
end  of  July  or  in  August. 

WATERLOO.  Pr.  cat.  Pom.  mag.  Hort.  trans. 

Lond.  hort.  cat. 

This  valuable  variety  w as  introduced  to  our  country  by  the 
Hon.  John  Lowell  of  Massachusetts,  to  whose  ardour,  intelli- 
gence, and  liberality  in  horticultural  pursuits,  his  fellow- 
citizens  are  so  largely  indebted  for  numerous  interesting 
acquisitions,  and  to  whom  I am  happy  to  render  this  passing 
tribute  of  respect.  I extract  the  following  description  from  the 
Pomological  Magazine : 

“ Raised  by  Mr.  Knight,  from  the  pollen  of  the  May  Duke 
and  a seed  of  the  Ambree  of  Duhamel.  It  ripens  in  June. 
The  tree  partakes  of  the  character  of  both  its  parents  in  a 
remarkable  degree ; the  wood  and  leaves  are  those  of  the  Bi- 
garreau  tribe,  while  the  flowers  are  those  of  the  May  Duke, 
the  stamens  being  shorter  than  the  styles,  a peculiarity  which 
is  universal  in  all  the  Duke  Cherries.  For  this  observation 
we  are  indebted  to  Mr.  Thompson.  The  wood  is  strong, 
with  a grayish  cuticle  ; leaves  drooping,  large,  wavy,  with 
moderately  deep  serratures  ; flowers  large  ; petals  roundish, 
imbricated  ; stamens  rather  slender,  usually  shorter  than  the 
styles  ; fruit  very  large,  broad  and  cordate  at  the  base,  convex 
on  one  side,  flattened  on  the  other  with  a broad  suture  ; apex 
slightly  depressed ; skin  dark,  purplish  red,  or  almost  black, 
covered  with  numerous  minute  dots  of  a paler  colour  ; flesh 
deep  purplish  red,  darkest  next  the  stone,  from  which  it  parts 
freely  ; tender,  juicy,  with  a rich  sweet  flavour  ; stalks  long 
and  slender  ; stone  small,  roundish,  compressed. 

LUNDIE  GUIGNE.  Pr.  cat. 

Lundie  Gean.  For.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

This  tree  is  of  vigorous  growth,  and  attains  to  a large  size ; 


CHERRIES. 


119 


the  fruit  is  black,  about  the  size  of  a Black  Heart,  of  fine 
quality  and  pleasant  flavour.  In  some  situations  the  tree  does 
not  bear  very  well. 

TRANSPARENT  GUIGNE.  Pr.  cat. 

Transparent  Gean.  For. 

The  word  Gean,  applied  to  a number  of  varieties  of  cher- 
ries by  the  English,  is  only  a corruption  of  the  French  word 
Guigne,  and  should  therefore  be  exploded,  and  give  place  to 
the  correct  appellation.  The  fruit  of  the  present  variety  is  of 
medium  size,  and  oblong  form  ; the  skin  is  of  a yellowish 
colour  tinged  with  red  ; the  flesh  is  of  pleasant  taste  and  good 
flavour.  It  has  the  advantage  of  ripening  quite  late,  being  at 
maturity  in  July,  about  the  same  period  as  the  Honey  Cherry. 
The  tree  is  one  of  the  most  vigorous  in  its  growth,  and  attains 
a large  size  and  stately  form  ; it  is  also  one  of  the  most  pro- 
ductive, yielding  abundant  and  regular  crops. 

POINTED  GUIGNE.  Auth. 

Guigne  piquante.  Guigne  a piquet.  N.  Duh. 

This  variety  derives  its  title  from  the  circumstance,  that  a 
part  of  the  style  becomes  hard  and  ligneous,  and  forms  a kind 
of  sharp  point  at  the  extremity  of  the  fruit,  which  is  more  of 
a heart-shape  than  any  other  Guigne  cherry  ; its  diameter  is 
eight  lines,  and  its  height  rather  less  ; the  skin  is  dark  red  on 
the  sunny  side,  and  light  red  and  even  yellowish  on  the  other  ; 
the  flesh  is  firm,  crisp,  of  quite  a rich  taste,  accompanied  by 
a little  bitterness.  This  variety  is  not  much  cultivated  in 
France,  because  it  ripens  in  June,  at  the  same  period  as  many 
other  kinds  which  are  preferable  to  it. 

DROOPING  GUIGNE.  Auth. 

Guigne  d rameaux  pendans.  N.  Duh. 

This  tree  is  only  remarkable  for  the  peculiarity  of  its  growth, 
the  branches  being  pendent  or  weeping  like  those  of  the  All- 
saints’ Cherry.  It  is  of  no  particular  value  as  regards  its  fruit, 
which  is  indifferent  in  point  of  quality. 


120 


CIIEKRIES. 


KNIGHT’S  EARLY  BLACK.  Pr.  cat.  Pom.  mag. 

HorT.  TRANS.  LoND.  HORT.  CAT. 

I copy  the  following  remarks  and  description  from  the  Po- 
mological  Magazine  : 

“ If  we  are  called  upon  to  state  specifically  the  difference 
between  this  and  the  Black  Tartarian  Cherry,  we  should  cer- 
tainly be  unable  to  do  so  ; but,  at  the  same  time,  we  should 
not  be  the  less  of  opinion  that  they  were  distinct.  It  is  well 
known  to  fruit-growers,  that  slight  shades  of  difference,  fleet- 
ing characters  which  words  are  unequal  to  express,  often  alone 
distinguish  varieties  materially  different  from  each  other  as 
objects  of  cultivation.  In  figure,  size,  colour,  and  flavour, 
this  is  nearly  identical  with  the  Black  Tartarian,  but  it  has  the 
rare  merit  of  ripening  earlier  : on  a south  aspect  it  will  be  ripe 
even  earlier  than  the  May  Duke.  The  beauty  of  the  fruit 
renders  it  particularly  interesting,  and  its  flavour  is  equal 
to  that  of  most  cherries.  This  was  raised  by  Mr.  Knight, 
about  1810,  from  seed  of  the  Graffion  impregnated  by  the  May 
Duke  ; the  same  parentage  as  the  Black  Eagle  and  the  Wa- 
terloo ; the  branches  are  spreading,  brown  with  a grayish  cu- 
ticle ; leaves  oblong,  pendulous,  nearly  flat,  of  thin  texture,  with 
unusually  prominent  veins  beneath ; flowers  middle-sized ; 
petals  somewhat  imbricated  ; fruit  large,  blunt,  heart-shaped, 
with  an  uneven  surface  like  that  of  the  Black  Tartarian,  but 
it  is  less  pointed,  and  has  a thicker,  shorter  stalk,  which  is 
rather  deeply  inserted  ; skin  nearly  black,  shining  ; flesh  firm, 
juicy,  very  deep  purple,  rich  and  sweet ; stone  small  for  the 
size  of  the  fruit,  and  nearly  round.” 

BLEEDING  HEART.  Pr.  cat.  Lang.  Law.  ^ Mil. 

LoND.  HORT.  cat.  CoXE. 

Ox  Heart.  Coxe  ? 

This  is  one  of  the  largest  and  most  beautiful  cherries  ; its 
form  is  a very  long  heart-shape,  terminating  in  a point ; the 
skin  of  a fine  dark  red  colour,  and  its  flesh  very  high  flavoured, 
and  delicious,  perhaps  none  more  so  ; the  stone  is  also  oblong. 
Some  of  the  largest  cherry  trees  I have  ever  seen,  were  of 


CHERRIES. 


121 


this  variety  ; they  grow  very  vigorously,  and  it  is  unfortunate 
that  they  do  not  bear  well. 

GASCOIGNE’S  HEART.  Pr.  cat.  Lang.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

This  tree  is  of* thrifty  growth,  and  attains  a large  size;  the 
fruit  resembles  the  preceding  in  form,  but  is  not  of  so  dark  a 
colour  ; it  ripens  about  the  same  time.  This  variety  may  be 
easily  distinguished  from  the  Bleeding  Heart  by  examining 
the  growth  of  the  tree,  which  is  quite  different.  It  has,  how- 
ever, been  confused  with  it  by  several  writers  on  pomology  ; 
but  it  will  be  perceived,  on  reference,  that  it  was  stated  to  be 
distinct  as  far  back  as  the  time  of  Langley. 

HERTFORDSHIRE  BLACK.  Pr.  cat.  Mil. 

Late  Black  Heart, 

Herefordshire  Black.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

Hertfordshire.  For. 

This  fruit  considerably  resembles  the  Black  Heart,  and  is 
much  esteemed  for  its  excellent  qualities  ; it  is  rather  more 
firm,  of  equally  fine  flavour,  and  ripens  much  later,  which 
renders  it  valuable,  as  it  aids  in  keeping  up  the  succession  of 
fine  cherries.  The  tree  is  particularly  vigorous  in  its  growth. 

ELTON.  Pr.  cat.  Pom.  mag.  Hook.  pom.  Lond.  hort.  cat. 

I copy  the  description  of  this  cherry  from  the  Pomological 
Magazine : 

“ This  invaluable  variety  was  raised  in  1806,  by  Mr. 
Knight,  from  a seed  of  the  Graffion  or  Ambree  Cherry  which 
had  been  fecundated  by  the  pollen  of  the  White  Heart.  It 
was  first  made  known  by  Mr.  Hooker,  in  his  Pomona  Londi- 
nensis,  and  since  by  communications  at  various  times  to  the 
Horticultural  Society.  Its  merits  can  scarcely  be  too  highly 
spoken  of.  In  flavour  it  is  considered  by  many  the  most  deli- 
cious of  cherries ; in  beauty  it  is  scarcely  surpassed  by  any 
other  ; and  its  hardiness  and  productiveness,  whether  upon  a 
standard  or  against  a wall,  are  now  ascertained  by  the  expe- 
rience of  all  who  have  cultivated  it.  It  ripens  in  the  begin- 

VOL.  II.  16 


122 


CHERRIES. 


ning  of  June,  about  the  time  of  the  Mayduke,  or  soon  after  ; 
the  tree  is  strong  and  healthy,  with  dark  brown  wood  ; the 
shoots  are  rather  drooping  ; leaves  very  large,  doubly  ser- 
rated ; petioles  about  two  inches  long  on  the  young  wood, 
with  large  reniform  glands  near  the  top ; flowers  large, 
opening  about  the  second  or  third  week  in  April ; fruit  about 
the  size  of  the  Bigarreau,  and  a good  deal  like  it,  but  much 
earlier,  and  with  a longer  stalk  ; heart-shaped,  and  rather 
pointed  ; colour,  on  the  shaded  side,  pale,  waxy  yellow,  mot- 
tled and  dashed  with  rich  red  next  the  sun ; flesh  firm,  but  not 
so  much  so  as  that  of  the  Bigarreau,  very  sweet  and  rich  ; 
stone  middle-sized,  ovate. 

TOBACCO  LEAVED.  Pr.  cat.  Pr.  hort. 

Quatre  a la  livre,  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

Guigne  de  quatre  d la  lime,  > 

Guigne  dfeuilles  de  Tabac.  ^ 

Bigarreautier  a grandes  feuilles,  Jard.  fruit. 

Cerasus  decumana.  De  Launay.  Bon.  Jard. 

Cerisier  dfeuilles  de  Tabac. 

Four  to  the  pound. 

This  fruit  is  rather  below  a medium  size,  of  a yellowish 
colour  on  the  shaded  side,  and  mottled  with  red  on  all  other 
parts  of  it,  somewhat  in  the  manner  of  the  Carnation  cherry, 
but  more  closely  resembling  the  China  Bigarreau ; the  part  next 
the  peduncle  is  much  more  deeply  coloured  than  that  towards 
the  extremity.  It  is  partially  flattened  on  two  sides,  on  one 
of  which  is  a rather  deep  and  very  distinct  suture,  and  on  the 
other  a more  slight  one  ; the  form  inclines  to  oval,  with  a small 
point  or  mamelon  at  the  extremity  ; the  leaves,  which  are  gene- 
rally pendent,  are  exceedingly  large  and  vigorous,  and  on 
the  young  shoots  of  the  first  year’s  growth  from  the  inocula- 
tion, they  often  measure  a foot  in  length,  and  five  to  eight 
inches  in  breadth  ; but  this  character  is  not  so  remarkable  on 
trees  of  more  advanced  age,  as  the  leaves  then  produced  are 
of  much  smaller  dimensions.  The  young  shoots  often  present 
a flexile  or  undulated  appearance,  which  they  probably  acquire 
from  the  rapidity  of  their  growth,  which  advances  in  a degree 


CIIEnUIES. 


123 


disproportionate  to  their  strength  and  to  the  weight  of  their 
foliage.  The  French  received  this  variety  from  Germany, 
with  (as  Noisette  says)  the  assurance  that  its  fruit  was  as  large 
as  the  Yellow  Egg-plum,  which  he  gives  as  an  excuse  for  its 
being  imposed  on  the  public  under  the  name  of  Quatre  a la 
livre,  or  Four  to  the  pound.  But  what  excuse  is  there  for  its 
having  been  represented  in  the  Bon  Jardinier,  a work  repub- 
lished annually  at  Paris,  as  the  largest  of  all  cherries,  for 
several  years  after  the  deception  was  ascertained  ? The  tree 
is  far  from  being  productive,  and  yields  but  sparingly,  and  the 
fruit  ripens  late  in  July:  its  foliage,  however,  renders  it  an 
object  of  curiosity,  and  distinguishes  it  from  all  other  cherries. 

ALLEN’S  LATE  FAVOURITE.  Pk.  cat. 

This  variety  was  presented  to  my  father  by  Zachariah  Allen 
of  Providence,  a gentleman  distinguished  for  his  intelligence 
in  horticultural  pursuits.  The  tree  grows  vigorously ; the 
fruit  is  of  fine  quality,  juicy  and  well  flavoured,  and  ripens  in 
Rhode  Island  at  the  same  time  as  the  Black  Mazzard,  which 
constitutes  its  particular  value,  as  most  of  the  finer  varieties 
are  then  past.  The  fruit  is  sold  in  considerable  quantities  in 
the  markets  at  Providence. 

GRIDLEY.  Mass.  hort. 

Maccarty,  Apple  Cherry, 

This  variety  was  discovered  thirty-seven  years  ago,  by  Mr. 
Wm.  Maccarty,  of  Roxbury,  near  Boston,  growing  in  the  gar- 
den of  Deacon  Samuel  Gridley  of  that  town.  He  states  that  the 
tree  was  then  five  or  six  inches  in  diameter.  The  flesh  is  firm 
like  the  Bigarreau,  sprightly,  and  fine  flavoured ; the  colour 
is  black  ; the  size  that  of  a medium  Black  Heart,  but  the  stem 
is  shorter  and  stone  smaller.  It  comes  into  eating  immediately 
after  that  variety,  and  is  much  esteemed  as  a market  fruit,  and 
possesses  the  advantage  of  bearing  carriage  well.  Its  only 
defect  is,  that  when  near  maturity,  if  the  weather  be  damp  or 
wet,  the  fruit  cracks  open  and  spoils.  The  tree  grows  upright. 


124 


CHERRIES. 


and  is  vigorous  when  young,  but  is  said  to  be  subject  to  a 
premature  decline  from  the  abundance  of  its  produce. 

CCEUR  DE  POULE.  N.  Duh.  Calvbl. 

Guigne  Ccrut  de  Poule.  Cerisse  Cceur  de  Poule.  N.  Duh. 

Cor  de  Galhno. 

It  is  mentioned  by  Calvel,  and  in  the  New  Duhamel,  that 
this  variety  is  not  often  met  with  in  the  environs  of  Paris,  but 
is  more  cultivated  in  the  south  of  France,  and  especially  in  the 
vicinity  of  Thoulouse,  where  it  is  known  by  the  title  last  quoted 
as  a synonyme.  The  tree  acquires  a lofty  expansion ; the 
leaves  are  long,  dark  green,  with  large  nerves  ; the  buds  are 
large,  and  produce  one  or  two  flowers,  which  are  also  of  large 
dimensions,  their  petals  being  of  greater  size  than  those  of  the 
Bigarreau  class.  The  fruit  ripens  in  July,  and  its  form  is 
precisely  that  of  a heart;  it  is  more  than  an  inch  in  length, 
and  in  some  cases  fifteen  lines,  and  measures  almost  as  much 
at  its  greatest  diameter.  When  at  maturity  it  is  of  nearly  a 
black  colour,  and  its  juice  is  highly  coloured  and  dark  red ; 
the  peduncle  is  eighteen  lines  in  length. 

DOWNTON.  Pr.  cat.  Pom.  mag.  Hort.  trans. 

Lond.  hort.  cat. 

This  variety,  which  has  been  latterly  introduced  into  our 
country,  is  described  in  the  Pomological  Magazine  as  follows : 

“ The  Downton  is  ripe  soon  after  the  Mayduke,  it  bears  well 
as  a standard,  and  in  richness  of  juice  it  yields  to  no  cherry  of 
any  season.  It  was  raised  by  Mr.  Knight  from  a seed  either 
of  the  W aterloo  or  the  Elton,  but  from  which  is  not  certain. 
The  wood  is  spreading  and  strong ; buds  pointed,  ovate ; 
leaves  moderately  large,  oblong,  acuminate,  pendulous,  some- 
what waved  at  the  margin,  acutely  serrated,  rather  thin  in 
texture  ; flowers  large  ; stamens  weak,  unequal,  generally  as 
long  as  the  style  ; petals  obovate,  imbricated  ; fruit  pale  yel- 
lowish, much  speckled  with  red,  especially  towards  the  sun, 
where  the  red  spots  run  together  ; flesh  light  yellow,  very 
tender,  juicy,  and  high  flavoured.  It  adheres  slightly  to  the 
stone.” 


CHERRIES. 


125 


YELLOW  SPANISH.  Tourn.  Mil.  For. 

This  variety  I believe  to  be  at  present  extinct,  as  it  is  not 
enumerated  in  any  catalogue  of  the  present  day,  not  even  in 
that  of  the  London  Horticultural  Society.  To  awaken  re- 
search, however,  I mention  it  here,  as  it  may  be  synonymous 
with  one  of  the  French  or  German  varieties  bearing  a different 
title.  It  is  described  as  being  of  an  oval  form  and  amber  colour, 
sweet  and  pleasant,  but  not  of  a rich  flavour ; the  tree  an 
indifferent  bearer,  and  the  fruit  ripening  in  England  in  August, 
which  would  make  it  a July  cherry  with  us,  our  seasons  being 
a month  earlier. 

LUKEWARD’S  HEART.  Pr.  cat.  Lang.  Lond.  hort.  cat. 

Lukeward.  Mil.  For. 

Miller  and  Forsyth  describe  this  as  a very  good  cherry,  of 
middle  size,  and  of  a dark  brown  or  black  colour.  A fine 
pleasant  fruit  and  the  tree  a good  bearer.  It  ripens  in  July. 

WHITE  BIGARREAU.  Pr.  cat. 

White  Ox  Heart.  | Tradescant.  Coxe. 

Apple  Cherry.  Anther.  Bigarreau  hlanc  7 
Bigarreau  commun  7 Common  French  Bigarreau  f 
Turkey  Bigarreau  7 HunnewelVs  Favourite. 

This  tree  is  of  rather  slow  growth,  and  attains  to  a medium 
size ; the  fruit  is  heart-shaped,  somewhat  pointed,  of  a very 
large  size,  and  beautiful  appearance  ; it  is  one  of  the  most 
firm  cherries,  and  also  sweet,  and  of  an  excellent  flavour,  being 
among  the  most  esteemed  varieties ; the  skin  is  yellowish 
white,  tinged  with  red  next  the  sun,  and  somewhat  mottled. 
The  fruit  ripens  late  in  June  or  at  the  beginning  of  July.  The 
tree  is  rather  more  tender  than  other  varieties  generally,  and 
bears  but  indifferently,  far  less  than  many  other  excellent  va- 
rieties of  the  same  class,  which  cannot  fail  to  take  precedence 
of  it  as  they  become  better  known. 


CHERRIES. 


li2G 

RED  BIGARREAU.  Pr.  cat. 

This  tree  grows  vigorously  and  attains  to  a larger  size  than 
the  preceding  one ; the  fruit  is  oblong  and  heart-shaped,  of  a 
dark  red  colour,  very  firm,  sweet,  and  pleasant.  The  tree  is 
far  more  more  productive  than  the  foregoing  variety,  and  fre- 
quently bears  abundant  crops.  I have  noticed  that  it  is  rather 
more  regularly  productive  when  budded  on  the  Kentish  and 
other  stocks  of  a similar  character,  than  when  budded  on  the 
Mazzard.  It  ripens  among  the  latest  varieties  towards  the  end 
of  July,  and  in  northern  localities  is  often  not  mature  until  in 
August,  which  renders  it  of  particular  value. 

NAPOLEON  BIGARREAU.  Pr.  cat.  Pr.  Hort. 

Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

Napoleon.  Lourman.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

Gros  Bigarreau  de  Lauermann.  Die.  d’Agric. 

This  tree  grows  vigorously  and  attains  to  a large  size.  The 
fruit  is  large  ; the  skin  mottled  with  red ; the  flesh  firm,  sweet, 
and  of  pleasant  flavour  ; the  juice  not  coloured.  This  variety 
being  of  recent  introduction,  the  opportunities  have  not  yet 
been  sufficient  to  fully  test  its  excellence,  but  the  appearance 
of  the  tree  is  indicative  of  a superior  fruit ; and  we  may  justly 
suppose  that  the  French  would  not  have  given  this  title  to 
any  variety  that  did  not  possess  superior  merit. 

CHINA  BIGARREAU.  Pr.  cat, 

China  Heart.  Pr.  Hort.  Pr.  Cat.  26  ed. 

This  variety  was  raised  by  the  father  of  the  author,  from  a 
seed  of  the  White  Bigarreau,  and  is  very  distinct  from  every 
other  that  has  met  my  observation.  The  tree  grows  vigor- 
ously, and  attains  a lofty  stature ; the  lower  branches,  as  it 
advances  in  height,  assume  in  many  instances  a drooping  or 
somewhat  pendent  form.  The  fruit  is  of  moderate  size,  beau- 
tifully mottled,  much  like  a waxen  preparation,  or  some  repre- 
sentations on  China  ware ; the  flesh  is  between  the  solid  and 
the  melting,  quite  sweet,  with  a flavour  peculiar  to  itself,  and 


CHERRIES. 


127 


differing  from  all  others.  The  tree  is  exceedingly  productive, 
and  the  fruit  ripens  just  after  the  Black  Tartarian,  Black 
Heart,  and  many  other  fine  cherries  are  past,  and  forms  a 
link  between  them  and  the  later  varieties.  As  it  partakes 
more  of  the  Bigarreau  than  of  the  Heart  class  of  cherries,  I 
have  thought  it  best  to  connect  it  by  title  to  the  former. 

PIGEON  HEART  BIGARREAU.  Pr.  cat. 

PigeorCs  Heart.  Pr.  Hort. 

Bigarreau  Caur  de  Pigeon.  ^ ]>j  t)  u 

Gros  Bigarreau  hatif.  ^ . u . 

This  fruit  is  nine  lines  in  height  and  the  same  in  diameter  ; 
it  is  nearly  equally  diminished  at  the  base  and  at  the  point,  so 
that  it  has  rather  the  form  of  an  abridged  oval,  than  that  of 
a heart ; it  is  convex  on  one  side,  flattened  on  the  other, 
and  marked  with  a very  conspicuous  suture  ; the  side  exposed 
to  the  sun  is  dark  red,  the  other  is  a yellowish  white,  with  a 
slight  tinge  of  rose  colour ; the  flesh  is  firm,  crackling,  and 
of  good  flavour.  The  fruit  ripens  at  the  end  of  June. 

LARGE  RED  BIGARREAU.  Pr.  cat. 

Chros  Bigarreau  rouge.  Duh.  Pr.  cat.,  26th  ed. 

Bigarreaulier  d gros  fruit.  Duh.  syn. 

The  fruit  of  this  variety  is  larger  than  the  preceding  one, 
being  ten  lines  in  diameter  and  the  same  in  height ; it  is  a 
little  hollowed  at  the  extremity,  and  flattened  upon  the  two 
principal  sides,  each  of  which  is  marked  with  a suture  ; the 
skin  is  shining,  dark  red  on  the  part  exposed  to  the  sun,  and 
of  a more  delicate  shade  of  red  on  the  other  side  ; the  flesh  is 
whitish,  firm,  succulent,  and  of  a very  rich  and  excellent  taste. 
This  fruit  is  one  of  the  best  of  its  kind,  and  ripens  at  Paris 
towards  the  end  of  July. 

LARGE  WHITE  BIGARREAU.  Pr.  cat. 

Bigarreau  hlanc  le  gros. 

Gros  Bigarreau  hlanc.  > Duh. 

Bigarreautier  d gros  fruit  hlanc.  ) 

This  fruit  is  of  the  same  form  and  size  as  the  preceding ; 


128 


CHERRIES. 


it  differs,  however,  in  a few  other  points ; its  skin  is  alto- 
gether of  a paler  hue,  the  side  exposed  to  the  sun,  instead 
of  being  deep  red,  is  only  of  a flesh  colour,  and  the  oppo- 
site side  is  whitish  ; the  flesh  is  rather  less  firm,  and  of  not  quite 
as  rich  a taste. 

COMMON  FRENCH  BIGARREAU.  Pr.  cat. 

Bigarreau  commun.  Duh.  Pr.  cat.  26  ed. 

B^e  de  Rocmont.  Duh.  syn.  ? 

This  is  less  flattened  and  less  oblong  than  the  Large  Red 
Bigarreau  ; it  measures  ten  lines  in  height  and  eleven  in  dia- 
meter ; the  side,  w'hich  is  slightly  depressed,  does  not  present 
any  distinct  suture,  but  has  merely  a whitish  line  partially  ap- 
parent ; the  skin  is  smooth,  shining,  of  a fine  red  next  the  sun, 
marbled  or  finely  speckled  with  white  in  different  places,  and 
of  a very  light  red,  or  almost  wholly  whitish  on  the  opposite 
side ; the  flesh  is  firm,  crisp,  and  of  a very  agreeable  flavour. 
This  fruit  is  intermediate  in  its  period  of  ripening  between 
the  early  and  late  varieties  of  the  Bigarreau,  and  attains  its 
maturity  in  the  earlier  half  of  the  month  of  July.  The  trees 
of  this  and  of  the  preceding  variety  produce  abundant  crops 
of  fruit,  which  is  the  reason  that  they  are  cultivated  in  pre- 
ference to  all  the  other  kinds  of  Bigarreau,  the  majority  of 
which  produce  much  less  fruit. 

FLESH  COLOURED  BIGARREAU.  Auth. 

Bigarreau  couleur  de  chair.  N.  Duh. 

This  is  an  excellent  fruit ; it  bears  a strong  resemblance  to 
the  preceding  one,  of  which  it  is  but  a subvariety,  distinguished 
by  the  variation  in  the  colour  of  its  skin,  which  is  of  a rose 
colour  : it  ripens  at  the  end  of  July. 

LARGE  LATE  RED  BIGARREAU.  Pr.  cat. 

Gros  Bigarreau  tardif.  N.  Duh. 

Bigarreau  gros  rouge  tardif. 

This  fruit  is,  according  to  M.  Le  Berriays,  of  somewhat 
smaller  size  than  the  Large  Red  Bigarreau,  and  much  later 


CHERRIES. 


129 


at  maturity ; the  skin  is  of  a rather  dark  red  on  the  shaded 
side,  and  on  the  other  is  a brownish  red,  almost  black,  which 
causes  this  to  be  sometimes  called  the  Black  Bigarreau  ; the 
flesh  is  firm,  juicy,  and  of  excellent  flavour.  I imported  this 
tree,  a few  years  since,  from  France,  and  there  are  now  some 
hundreds  in  the  Flushing  nurseries. 

LARGE  HEART  SHAPED  BIGARREAU.  Auth. 

Guigne  noire  luisante.  ) 

Guignier  a gros  fruit  noir  luisant.  ^ 

Grosse  guigne  noir  luisante. 

Bigarreau  Gros  Coeuret.  Jard.  fruit. 

Bigarreau  Cceurei. 

The  skin  of  this  variety  is  black,  smooth,  and  shining ; its 
flesh  is  red,  tender  without  being  soft,  and  of  a rich  and  quite 
pleasant  flavour  ; the  fruit  is  said  to  be  of  very  large  size  ; 
it  ripens  in  J uly , and,  if  it  was  earlier  at  maturity,  would  be 
preferred  to  most  others. 

EARLY  WHITE  BIGARREAU.  Auth. 

Betit  Bigarreau  blanc  hatif.  ^ t)  u 
Bigarreautier  a 'petit  fruit  hatif.  J 

This  variety  is  of  moderate  size,  measuring  about  eight 
lines  in  height,  and  rather  more  in  diameter ; the  suture,  which 
is  quite  conspicuous  upon  most  other  Bigarreau  cherries,  is, 
on  the  present  one,  marked  but  by  a simple  line,  and  this  is 
only  rendered  apparent  by  a partial  variation  of  colour  ; the 
skin  is  a light  red  next  the  sun,  and  white,  blended 'with  a very 
slight  tint  of  rose  colour,  on  the  shaded  side ; the  flesh  is 
white,  and  not  as  solid  as  that  of  most  others  of  its  class,  but 
crisp,  and  much  more  firm  than  that  of  the  White  Guigne,  to 
which  it  bears  a great  resemblance  in  other  respects  ; its  taste 
is  rich  when  at  full  maturity,  which  it  attains  about  the  middle 
of  June ; but  it  is  somewhat  acid  if  the  fruit  is  not  perfectly 
ripe. 


VOL.  11. 


n 


130 


CHERRIES. 


EARLY  RED  BIGARREAU.  Auth. 

Petit  Bigarreau  rouge.  Cceuret.  > 

Bigarreaviier  a fruit  rouge,  hatif.  ^ 

This  Bigarreau,  according  to  M.  Le  Berriays,  is  rather 
larger  than  the  preceding  one,  and  a little  more  pointed 
than  any  other ; the  skin  is  tinged  with  a light  red  upon  a 
whitish  ground  ; the  flesh  is  white,  somewhat  firm,  and  of  a 
pleasant  taste.  This  fruit  ripens  fifteen  days  later  than  the 
Early  White  Bigarreau,  say  about  the  end  of  June.  Duha- 
mel  expresses  some  doubt  as  to  its  being  distinct  from  the  pre- 
ceding variety,  and  thinks  that  when  any  difference  exists,  it 
arises  from  the  fruit  being  more  fully  exposed  to  the  sun,  and 
from  its  being  left  longer  on  the  tree,  which  causes  it  to  acquire 
more  colour. 


BLACK  BIGARREAU.  Auth. 

Bigarreau  noir.  Cerise  de  Norwege.  N.  Duh. 

The  leaves  of  this  tree  support  themselves  better  than  those 
of  many  other  Bigarreau  varieties ; the  fruit  is  not  distinctly 
flattened  as  many  other  kinds  are  ; it  measures  nine  lines  in 
height  and  the  same  in  diameter ; its  form  is  rather  oblong 
without  being  cordate  ; the  skin,  when  fully  mature,  is  as 
black  as  that  of  some  particular  Heart  cherries  ; the  flesh  is 
very  firm,  somewhat  juicy,  of  a red  colour,  and  not  particu- 
larly rich  in  point  of  flavour. 

LATE  BLACK  BIGARREAU.  Pr.  cat. 

Bigarreau  noir,  tardif.  N.  Duh. 

This  fruit  is  not  as  large  as  the  preceding  one,  being  scarce- 
ly nine  lines  in  diameter  by  eight  in  height ; it  is  not  heart- 
shaped,  but  almost  equally  contracted  at  its  base  and  its  point, 
partially  flattened  on  one  side,  and  very  rarely  marked 
with  a suture ; the  skin  is  at  first  a very  dark  brownish  red, 
but  becomes  black  when  it  attains  its  perfect  maturity,  which, 
at  Paris,  is  not  until  the  end  of  August ; the  flesh  is  red,  rather 
dry,  and  very  firm.  I have  recently  imported  this  variety, 
which  has  since  been  considerably  increased. 


CHERRIES. 


131 


HILDESHEIM  BIGARREAU.  Pr.  cat. 

Bigarreau  marhr^  de  Hildesheim.  Die  d’Agric. 

Bigarreau  tardif  d' Hildesheim,  Pr.  cat.  26  ed. 

This  variety  is  of  but  recent  introduction,  and  was  imported 
by  the  author.  The  fruit  is  marbled  with  red  ; the  flesh  firm, 
sweet,  and  of  pleasant  flavour,  and  the  juice  free  from  colour ; 
it  ripens  very  late,  not  being  at  maturity  in  the  north  of  France 
until  the  month  of  August. 

EARLY  MAY.  Pr.  cat.  Mil.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

May  Cherry.  Law.  Lang. 

Cerisier  nain  a fruit  rond  pr^coce.  Duh. 

Griottier  nain  precoce,  Griottier  nain. 

Of  all  the  varieties,  the  fruit  of  this  is  the  smallest ; the  tree 
seldom  attains  to  more  than  six  to  seven  feet  in  height,  if  in- 
oculated near  the  ground  ; and  for  this  reason,  as  well  as  on 
account  of  the  flexibility  of  its  branches,  it  is  well  calculated 
to  be  trained  in  espalier  form,  which  is  the  course  usually 
adopted  in  France.  The  only  point  of  value  in  this  variety 
is  its  early  maturity,  it  being  ripe  before  any  other  ; it  is  of 
quite  small  size  ; its  taste  acid,  but  pleasant ; and  the  skin  of 
a red  colour.  This  cherry  is  much  cultivated  at  Montreuil, 
near  Paris,  for  supplying  the  markets ; and,  being  the  first 
ripe,  the  fruit  is  tied  in  little  bunches,  interspersed  with  sprigs 
of  the  lily  of  the  valley,  &£c.,  and  serves  to  gratify  children. 

EARLY  GRIOTTE.  Auth. 

Cerisier  hatif.  Duh. 

This  tree  attains  a much  greater  height  than  the  preceding 
one,  but  less  than  most  other  varieties  of  its  class  ; it  forms 
a head  of  but  moderate  dimensions,  and  its  branches  are 
drooping,  especially  when  they  are  greatly  loaded  with  fruit, 
which  happens  frequently  from  it  being  very  productive.  It 
is  not  uncommon  to  see  the  peduncles  of  six  or  eight  cher- 
ries united  in  one  umbel.  As  this  tree  is  a great  bearer,  and 


132 


CHERRIES. 


its  fruit  quite  early,  it  is  much  cultivated  in  the  vicinity  of 
Paris,  and  is  the  earliest,  after  the  preceding  variety,  that  is 
met  with  in  the  markets  of  that  city.  The  fruit  is  generally 
gathered  as  soon  as  it  acquires  a pale  red  colour,  and  before 
it  is  ripe  ; it  is  then  very  acid  and  inferior  in  taste  ; but,  when 
left  to  attain  its  full  maturity,  it  becomes  of  a quite  dark  red 
colour,  and  is  much  better  and  of  finer  flavour. 

MARASQUIN.  N.  Dun. 

Cerisier  Marasquin.  } 

Griottiir  Marasquin.  ^ 

This  variety  was  brought  from  Dalmatia.  It  has  been  sug- 
gested by  Professor  Bose,  that  it  was  probably  the  original 
species ; but  the  information  possessed  in  regard  to  its  growth 
in  its  native  country,  is  too  limited  for  a decision  of  that  point. 
The  fruit  is  small  and  of  an  acid  taste,  and  it  is  supposed  to 
be  from  it  that  they  manufacture  at  Zara  that  excellent  liqueur, 
denominated  Marasquin  de  Zara. 

PROLIFIC  CHERRY.  Auth. 

Cerise  a trochet.  ) , 

Cerise  tr^s  fertile.  ^ ' 

Griottier  a trochet. 

This  tree  is  intermediate  in  height  between  the  Early  May 
and  Early  Griotte  ; the  fruit  is  of  moderate  size,  and  dark 
red  when  at  full  maturity  ; the  flesh  is  tender,  but  has  rather 
much  acidity.  The  tree  is  very  productive,  and  the  crop  of 
fruit  is  often  so  abundant,  that  the  branches,  which  are  long 
and  slender,  bend  beneath  its  weight. 

CLUSTER.  Pr.  cat.  Law.  Lang. 

Cerise  a bouquet.  Duh. 

Griottier  a bouquet. 

Prunus  Cerasus  polygyria. 

This  tree  resembles  the  preceding  in  appearance  ; it  forms 
a bushy  head,,  and  its  branches  are  in  like  manner  feeble  and 
pendent ; but  its  flowers  have  a peculiar  character,  which  is, 


IJIIEIIRIES. 


i;j:j 


vvitliout  doubt,  a monstrosity  arising  from  cultivation.  They 
are  produced  in  umbels  similar  to  the  other  varieties ; the 
calyx  and  petals  present  no  peculiarity,  but  in  the  centre  of 
the  flower  there  are  several  pistils,  varying  in  number  from 
one  to  a dozen,  a part  of  which  blight ; but  there  are  often 
several  which  become  perfect  fruits.  These  fruits,  to  the 
number  of  three,  four,  five,  and  sometinies  more,  are  sessile  at 
the  extremity  of  the  peduncle,  closely  set  to  each  other,  com- 
pressed at  the  sides  where  they  touch,  but  perfectly  distinct, 
and  each  containing  a stone.  Duhamel  states  that  it  is  only  on 
old  trees  that  clusters  of  eight  to  twelve  cherries  are  met  with, 
and  that  on  young  trees, 'but  one,  two,  three,  or  at  most  five 
grow  upon  the  same  peduncle.  The  fruit  ripens  about  the 
middle  of  June  ; the  flesh  is  white,  but  too  acid  to  be  pleasant 
for  eating,  unless  with  sugar  or  in  preserves.  It  does  not  ap- 
pear to  have  been  ascertained  whether  this  tree  can  be  repro- 
duced from  the  stone  with  all  its  peculiarities  of  character. 

!VIAY  DUKE.  Pr.  cat.  Law.  Mjl.  For.  Hook.  porr. 

Lo_vd.  hokt.  cat.  Coxe. 

Duke.  Lang. 

Cerise  Roy  ale.  h alive.  N.  Duh. 

Cerise  tT Aiigleterre.  of  the  Parisian  gardens. 

Ccrisier  Anglois.  Royal  hatif. 

Early  May  Duke. 

The  present  variety  and  the  Black  Heart  are  more  exten- 
sively cultivated  in  this  vicinity  than  any  others,  arising,  no 
doubt,  from  their  being  among  the  first  that  were  introduced 
from  Europe.  This  tree  attains  to  the  height  of  thirty  feet  or 
more,  forming  a head  commonly  more  conical  than  spreading  ; 
the  fruit  is  usually  the  first  that  is  met  with  in  our  markets,  it 
being  gathered  for  that  purpose  as  soon  as  it  has  acquired  a 
red  colour,  and  before  it  has  attained  its  maturity  and  attend- 
ant excellence.  From  this  circumstance  few  are  aware  of  its 
real  quality  when  fully  ripe,  or  even  of  the  colour  it  then  at- 
tains, having  drawn  their  conclusions  from  seeing  such  as  has 
been  prematurely  gathered.  This  cherry,  when  perfectly  ma- 


134 


CHERRIES. 


ture,  is  of  a very  dark  red  colour,  and  of  large  size,  often 
measuring  two  and  a half  inches  at  its  greatest  circumference, 
by  nearly  nine  lines  in  height ; it  is  compressed  at  both  ends  ; 
the  peduncle  is  rather  long  ; the  flesh  is  white,  with  a slight 
tinge  of  red  when  very  ripe  ; tender,  melting,  very  juicy, 
and  high  flavoured,  with  a partial  and  highly  pleasant  acidity. 
Duhamel  states  that  there  is  a small  leaflet  on  the  peduncle. 
I do  not  recollect  noticing  that  point ; but  it  may  be  so.  This 
variety  is  one  of  the  most  productive,  the  crops  being  very 
abundant.  It  usually  attains  its  red  colour  during  the  last  days 
of  May,  and  perfects  its  maturity  early  in  June.  One  peculiari- 
ty of  this  tree  is,  that  there  are  almost  invariably  a few  branches, 
whose  fruit  is  quite  green  when  the  other  part  is  ripe,  and 
which  does  not  come  to  maturity  until  two  or  three  weeks  later. 
I think  Mr.  Coxe  labours  under  a mistake  when  he  states  that 
there  are  “ several  varieties.”  I have  never  known  but  one. 

LATE  DUKE.  Pr.  cat.  Pom.  mag.  For. 

Cerise  Royale.  Cherry  Duke.  Duh. 

Cerise  Angloise  tardive.  Bon.  Jard  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

Royale  tardif.  Bon.  Jard.  | Kolsmanduc. 

June  Duke  1 

I copy  the  following  remarks  and  description  from  the 
Pomological  Magazine : 

“ Though  this  cherry  is  only  known  to  us  through  the 
French  gardeners,  yet  ifs  name  is  evidence  of  its  English  origin. 
We  have  not,  however,  been  able  to  discover  it  in  cultivation 
in  any  of  our  own  gardens,  except  that  of  the  Horticultural 
Society,  where  the  drawing  was  made,  in  the  present  year, 
from  fruit  produced  on  a tree  received  from  Paris. 

“ Our  old  writers  of  authority,  Switzer  and  Hitt,  mention 
a Late  May  Duke,  or  Late  Duke  Cherry,  which  is  probably 
the  one  before  us  ; but  these  names,  although  now  to  be  found 
in  the  nurseries,  are  certainly  there  applied  to  trees  in  no  re- 
spect difierent  from  the  original  May  Duke.  We  have  con- 
sequently given  the  name  of  Late  Duke  to  the  present  variety, 
as  being  perfectly  appropriate.  The  fruit  ripens,  on  a standard, 


. CHERRIES. 


135 


in  August ; and,  independently  of  its  value  from  the  period  of 
its  maturity,  is  of  considerable  excellence' on  account  of  its 
appearance,  size,  flavour,  and  productiveness. 

“ The  branches  are  of  vigorous  growth,  but  more  spread- 
ing than  those  of  the  May  Duke  cherry,  and  the  leaves  are 
larger ; flowers  large,  and  resembling  those  of  the  May  Duke, 
but  opening  later  ; fruit  large,  the  size  of  a May  Duke,  bluntly 
heart-shaped,  somewhat  compressed,  with  a shallow  depression 
on  one  side  ; skin  a rich  shining  red  ; flesh  tender,  juicy,  am- 
ber-coloured, and  rich,  of  the  same  quality  as  the  May  Duke  ; 
stone  rather  large,  roundish-ovate,  compressed.” 

ARCH-DUKE.  Pr.  cat.  Mil.  For.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

Royal  Archduke  ? Late  Arch- Duke. 

Arch-duc.  Royal  Archiduc. 

Griotte  de  Portugal.  Duh.  Roz. 

Portugal  Duke  1 

The  Portugal.  Coxe. 

This  tree  is  thrifty,  of  medium  size,  and  produces  pretty 
good  crops  ; the  fruit  is  of  a very  large  size,  flattened  at  its 
base  and  summit,  and  on  one  side  ; it  measures  nearly  an  inch 
at  its  greatest  diameter,  and  eight  or  nine  lines  in  height  ; the 
peduncle  is  of  medium  length,  and  rather  large,  especially  at 
the  section  which  joins  the  fruit ; the  skin  is  crisp,  brownish 
red,  approaching  to  black  ; the  flesh  is  firm  and  crisp,  of  a 
dark  red  hue,  devoid  of  acidity,  but  has  a slight  degree  of 
bitterness,  which  does  not  prevent  it,  however,  from  being 
very  pleasant,  and  even  excellent  in  the  opinion  of  a great 
many  persons,  who  esteem  it  as  the  best  of  all  cherries,  it  be- 
ing also  one  of  the  largest  size.  It  ripens  during  the  earlier 
part  of  July. 

HOLMAN’S  DUKE.  Pr.  cat.  LaxVc.  For.  Lond.  hort.  cat. 

I have  always  suspected  that  this  tree  was  synonymous  witli 
one  of  the  other  varieties  of  the  Duke,  but  as  several  authors 
describe  it  as  distinct,  I insert  their  description  of  it.  The 
branches  are  more  spreading  and  loose  than  the  Mayduke ; 


136 


CHERRIES. 


the  fruit  is  larger,  of  equally  fine  flavour,  and  ripens  about 
two  to  three  weeks  later.  Forsyth  remarks  that  the  tree  does 
not  bear  equally  well ; but  Langley  states  that  it  is  a great 
beai-er,  and  as  early  as  the  Mayduke.  Mr.  Coxe  observes 
that  it  is  an  early  variety  of  the  Mayduke;  so  that  there  is 
much  confusion  in  the  several  opinions.  I shall  endeavour  to 
solve  all  doubts  by  a critical  examination  of  the  fruit  produced 
by  the  trees  now  growing  in  my  experimental  orchard. 

PRINCE’S  DUKE.  Pb.  cat.  Pr.  hort.  Lond.  hort.  cat. 

Of  all  the  varieties  that  I have  seen,  this  cherry  e'xcels  in 
point  of  size,  though  not  greatly  exceeding  some  of  the  other 
largest  varieties.  It  was  raised  by  the  father  of  the  author, 
from  the  seed  of  a Carnation  cherry,  and  consequently  belongs 
to  the  Griotte  class.  The  fruit  is  of  a red  colour,  shaped  like 
that  of  its  parent,  and  much  compressed;  very  rich  and  lus- 
cious when  at  perfect  maturity,  but  previous  thereto  possessing 
a little  of  the  bitterness  peculiar  to  its  parent  w'hen  in  the  same 
state.  The  tree  in  its  growth  and  foliage  partakes  of  the  ap- 
pearance of  the  Carnation  cherry,  and  the  fruit  ripens  about 
the  same  period.  The  original  tree  is  not  a good  bearer,  but 
budded  on  other  stocks  may  perhaps  prove  more  productive. 

SPANISH  GRIOTTE.  Pr.  cat. 

Griotte  d’Espagne.  N.  Duh.  Le  Berr. 

This  cherry  greatly  resembles  the  Archduke,  of  which  it  is 
perhaps  but  a sub-variety ; it  is  still  larger,  being  sometimes 
more  than  an  inch  in  diameter,  by  eleven  lines  in  height;  the 
form  is  oblong,  of  smaller  size  at  the  extremity  than  towards 
the  base,  somewhat  flattened  in  its  diameter,  but  with  less  of  a 
cordate  form  than  the  Heart  Griotte ; the  peduncle  is  very- 
large,  and  of  medium  length  ; the  skin  is  a very  brownish  red 
or  dark  violet  approaching  to  a black  hue,  slightly  tinged  with 
blue  ; the  flesh  is  red,  somewhat  firm,  and  less  melting  than 
fine  cherries  usually  are,  sweet  and  rather  rich.  This  beauti- 
ful fruit  ripens  the  beginning  of  July,  and  if  the  weather  be 
rainy  when  at  its  maturity,  it  causes  the  cherries  to  crack  open 
and  rot. 


CHERRIES. 


137 


BELLE  DE  CHOISY.  Pr.  cat.  N.  Duh.  Pom.  mag. 

Jard.  fruit.  Bon  jard.  Lond.  hort.  cat. 

Cerise  douceite.  Belle  de  Choisy.  Griotte  de  Palemhre.  N.  Duh. 

Belle  de  Palemhre.  De  la  Palemhre. 

The  following  description  is  taken  ^om  the  Poraological 
Magazine. 

“This  cherry  is  of  French  origin,  and  is  said  to  have  been 
raised  at  Choisy,  near  Paris,  about  the  year  1760.  It  has 
sufficient  merit  to  induce  us  to  recommend  it  as  deserving 
cultivation  in  this  country,  being  hardy  and  bearing  well  as  a 
standard.  We  know  no  other  cherry  of  a similar  character 
which  is  equally  sweet.  The  general  habit  of  the  tree  has  a 
strong  resemblance  to  that  of  the  Mayduke,  but  the  branches 
are  rather  more  spreading,  and  the  leaves  are  more  evenly 
serrated ; the  flowers  large  ; petals  roundish,  concave ; sta- 
mens strong,  shorter  than  the  styles ; fruit  middle-sized, 
roundish,  depressed  at  the  apex;  skin  transparent,  red  mottled 
with  amber  colour,  especially  on  the  shaded  size  ; flesh  amber 
coloured,  tender,  and  sweet ; stone  middle-sized,  round.” 

GRAFFION.  Pr.  cat.  For. 

Bigarreau.  Hook.  Pom.  For.  and  of  the  English  publications 
generally,  and  of  some  American  collections, 

Bigarreau.  Grajion.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

Cerise  amhr^e.  Guindoux  hlanc.  ^ i\r  n l 
Cerisier  d fruit  amhr^,  d fruit  hlanc.  ^ ^ 

Amher^  or  Imperial.  Coxe. 

Yellow  Spanish,  of  most  American  collections. 

Harrison  heart,  of  some  English  gardens,  according  to  Forsyth. 

This  tree  is  one  of  the  largest  of  all  the  varieties  that  belong 
to  the  same  species ; its  branches  are  strong  and  vigorous, 
and  form  a handsome  and  well  supported  head.  The  growth  of 
the  young  trees  is  particularly  thrifty ; their  lateral  shoots  are 
remarkable  for  taking  an  almost  horizontal  direction,  and  the 
bark  is  marked  with  small  dots.  The  fruit  is  the  largest  I 
have  ever  seen,  except  the  Prince’s  duke  ; it  is  round  at  the 
extremity  and  somewhat  flattened  at  the  base,  borne  upon  pe- 
duncles of  from  fifteen  to  twenty-four  lines  in  length;  the  skin 

VOL.  II.  18 


138 


CHERRIES. 


is  delicate,  a little  firm  before  maturity,  of  an  amber  yellow, 
partially  tinged  with  red  in  small  spots  when  at  full  maturity, 
and  especially  on  the  side  exposed  to  the  sun  ; the  flesh  is 
white,  bland,  and  luscious,  with  a honied  sweetness.  This 
fruit  ripens  in  June,  and  if  there  are  long  continued  rains  at 
the  time  of  its  maturity,  it  is  apt  to  rot.  It  is  remarked  in  the 
New  Duhamel,  that  this  cherry  is  but  partially  disseminated 
in  France,  and  that  it  would  merit  culture  more  than  any 
other,  on  account  of  its  excellence,  if  it  were  not  for  the  defect 
of  its  fruit  iiv.t  being  apt  to  set  well.  On  this  point,  so  far  as 
my  opportunities  have  allowed  me  to  judge,  and  they  have 
been  rather  numerous,  as  the  tree  is  much  cultivated  in 
this  vicinity,  I have  found  it  to  produce  good  crops  and  to 
be  a constant  bearer.  This  tree  was  imported  from  London, 
by  the  father  of  the  author,  in  the  year  1802,  under  the  name 
of  Yellow  Spanish,  and  one  of  the  original  trees  is  now  grow- 
ing in  his  garden,  where  it  produces  abundantly,  and  there  is 
little  doubt  that  from  his  stock  have  originated  most  of  the 
trees  of  this  kind  now  in  our  country,  as  he  has  taken  much 
pains  to  recommend  it.  During  a visit  to  the  vicinity  of  Bos- 
ton, in  the  year  1826,  at  the  period  when  the  cherry  trees  were 
in  fruit,  I noticed  that  this  variety  was  by  some  called  the  Bi- 
garreau,  and  by  others  the  Carnation,  but  the  error  has  no 
doubt  been  corrected  ere  this,  through  the  great  intelligence 
and  accuracy  of  their  Horticultural  Society.  There  is  another 
European  cherry,  called  Ambree  or  Amber,  which  is  far 
smaller  than  this,  and  also  very  inferior  in  flavour  ; its  only 
advantage  being  that  of  ripening  at  an  earlier  period. 

CARNATION.  Pr.  cat.  Law.  Lang.  Mil.  For. 

Lond.  hort.  cat. 

Late  Spanish.  Wax  Carnation.  Wax  Cherry. 

Griotie  d^Espagne,  erroneously. 

This  fruit,  which  derives  its  title  from  its  colour,  is  ot  a 
large  size,  and  nearly  of  a round  form  ; the  skin  is  a yellowish 
white,  beautifully  mottled  with  red  ; the  flesh  yellow,  rather 
firm,  and  of  a pleasant  taste,  but  less  sweet  than  many  other 


CHERRIES. 


139 


varieties  ; the  juice  is  sprightly  and  of  a pale  colour.  If  eaten 
before  it  is  fully  mature,  it  has  a slight  degree  of  bitterness. 
This  cherry  ripens  among  the  late  varieties  in  July,  and  is 
held  in  high  esteem  for  preserves.  The  tree  is  of  low  stature, 
being  more  spreading  than  lofty,  and  its  branches  have  often 
somewhat  of  a horizontal  or  even  a drooping  appearance.  Its 
foliage  indicates  much  vigour,  and  the  fruit  is  less  subject  to 
the  attacks  of  birds  and  insects  than  most  of  the  other  fine 
varieties  of  cherries,  and  also  remains  without  decay  or  rotten- 
ness for  a longer  period  than  other  sorts  usually  do.  -The 
tree  bears  tolerably  well,  but  not  abundantly.  A tree  imported 
from  London,  some  years  since,  as  the  Late  Spanish,  and  one 
from  the  north  of  France,  under  the  title  of  Griotte  (T Espagne, 
have  both  borne  fruit  of  this  kind  ; the  latter  variety,  however, 
is  in  fact  a dark  coloured  fruit,  and  the  above  circumstance 
must  have  arisen  from  error. 

LONG  STEM  MONTMORENCY.  Pr.  cat. 

Cerise  de  Montmorency,  ordinaire.  ) 

Cerisier  de  Montmorency.  J 

Kentish  7 Common  Red  ? 

This  tree  resembles  the  Early  Red  Griotte  in  its  growth, 
form,  foliage,  fertility,  etc.  The  fruit  is  not  as  large  as  the 
Short  stem  Montmorency,  and  its  peduncle  is  of  greater  length, 
measuring  fifteen  to  sixteen  lines.  The  skin  is  dark  red  at  full 
maturity,  the  flesh  white,  not  too  acid,  and  of  pleasant  flavour. 
This  fruit  ripens  the  beginning  of  July.  It  is  preferred  in 
France  to  the  short  stem  variety,  on  account  of  the  tree  being 
so  very  productive,  although  inferior  to  that  in  size  and  quality. 

SHORT  STEM  MONTMORENCY.  Pii.  cat. 

Gros  Gohet.  Gobet  a courte  queue.  \ 

Montmorency  a gros  fruit.  Cerise  de  Kent.  ^ 

Kentish. 

Cerisier  Coulard,  of  some  French  cultivators. 

Cerise  de  Yilaine. 

This  tree  produces  abundance  of  flowers,  but  the  French 
complain  that  the  fruit  does  not  set  well,  and  that  the  crop  is 
usually  but  small.  The  cherry  is  large,  flattened  at  both  ends. 


140 


CHERRIES. 


its  diameter  eleven  lines,  and  its  height  rather  more  than 
eight ; the  peduncle  is  very  short,  being  but  five  to  seven  lines 
in  length ; the  skin  is  of  a brilliant  red,  and  not  very  dark  ; 
the  flesh  is  yellowish  white,  slightly  acid,  and  highly  pleasant. 
This  excellent  fruit,  which  is  one  of  the  best  that  is  cultivated, 
is  but  partially  disseminated  even  in  France  for  the  reason 
before  stated,  it  being  found  only  in  the  gardens  of  those  who 
prefer  the  fine  quality  to  the  quantity  of  fruit.  It  ripens  about 
the  middle  of  July,  and  it  is  possible  that  in  our  climate  it  may 
prove  more  generally  productive  than  in  France.  Forsyth 
places  this  as  synonymous  with  the  Kentish  cherry  of  England, 
but  I think  there  is  some  doubt  as  regards  the  point  of  iden- 
tity. The  Kentish  cherry  is  mentioned  by  the  earliest  English 
writers,  and  Langley  gives  a plate  of  it. 

VILLENXES.  Pr.  cat. 

Cerise  de  ViUennes.  Guindoux  rouge.  N.  Duh. 

Cerisier  d gros  fruit  rouge  pale.  O.  Duh.  Roz. 

This  tree  is  one  of  the  very  largest  of  its  class  of  Cherries ; 
the  shoots  are  twice  the  size  of  those  of  the  preceding  variety, 
and  its  leaves  are  terminated  by  a long  acute  point.  The 
fruit  is  eleven  lines  in  diameter,  and  ten  in  height,  borne  on  a 
strong  peduncle,  from  ten  to  sixteen  lines  in  length ; the  skin 
is  delicate,  and  of  a light  red  colour ; the  flesh  white,  succu- 
lent, slightly  acid,  and  of  a very  pleasant  flavour.  This  beau- 
tiful cherry  is  one  of  the  best  for  the  table ; and  Duhamel  re- 
marks that  it  ought  to  be  preferred  to  all  others  for  preserves. 
It  ripens  at  the  end  of  June  or  the  beginning  of  July. 

PARISIAN  GUINDOUX.  Auth. 

Guindoux  de  Paris.  Guindoux  rose.  N.  Duh.  , 

This  tree  becomes  moderately  large,  but  its  branches  do 
not  preserve  a handsome  form  ; the  fruit  is  of  the  same  size  as 
dje  preceding,  but  ripens  rather  sooner ; the  skin  is  of  a still 
red,  assimilating  to  a rose  colour;  the  flesh  is  pleasantly 
>&eet  and  excellent. 


CHERRIES. 


141 


HOLLAND  GRIOTTE.  Pit.  cat. 

Cerisier  de  Hollande.  Coulard.  Duh.  Griotte  de  Hollander 

This  tree  is  the  largest  of  its  class  of  cherries;  it  produces 
abundance  of  blossoms,  but  a paucity  of  fruit.  A great  part 
of  the  flowers  blight,  which  no  doubt  is  caused  by  the  pistil 
being  a great  deal  longer  than  the  stamens,  which  prevents 
their  fertilizing  the  germs  with  facility.  It  is  to  be  regretted 
that  the  tree  possesses  this  disadvantage,  and  that  it  should  on 
such  account  be  neglected,  for  the  cherries  are  large  and  ex- 
cellent. The  peduncle  is  fifteen  to  twenty  lines  in  length  ; the 
skin  is  of  a fine  red  colour ; the  flesh  delicate,  sweet,  and  white 
with  a little  of  a reddish  hue.  The  period  of  their  maturity 
is  the  end  of  June. 

WILLOW  LEAVED.  Pr.  cat. 

Balsamine  leaved.  Hinterose. 

Cerisier  afeuilles  de  Saule,  ou  de  Balsamine.  Duh. 

Griottier  de  Hollande  a feuille  de  Balsamine. 

Griottier  afeuilles  de  Phcher.  Die.  d’Agric. 

This  is  but  a sub-variety  of  the  preceding,  characterized  by 
its  longer  and  narrower  leaves,  which  are  of  peculiar  appear- 
ance ; its  fruit  does  not  differ  in  any  respect.  It  merits  culti- 
vation on  account  of  its  singular  foliage,  but  more  especially 
because  it  yields  fine  fruit ; the  leaves  sometimes  change  their 
form  when  the  tree  grows  with  great  vigour,  and  in  such  case 
they  resemble  those  of  other  cherries. 

SHORT  STEM  GRIOTTE.  Autii. 

Cerise  a courte  queue.  Gohet.  N.  Duh. 

This  tree  much  resembles  the  Early  Red  Griotte  in  its 
growth,  its  slender  and  drooping  branches,  and  the  dimensions 
and  form  of  the  leaves.  Its  fruit  is  rather  above  the  medium 
size,  nine  lines  in  diameter  and  eight  in  height ; its  form  is 
spherical,  flattened  at  the  extremities,  and  often  divided  on  one 
side  by  a deep  suture ; its  skin  is  a light  red,  and  does  not 
become  dark  coloured  even  at  its  fullest  maturity  : the  stem  is 


142 


CHERRIES. 


six  to  eight  lines  long ; the  flesh  possesses  raflaer  much  acidity. 
The  tree  seldom  produces  an  abundant  crop,  and  the  fruit 
ripens  in  the  first  part  of  July. 

EARLY  RICHMOND.  Pr.  cat.  Lond.  hort.  cat. 

Early  Kentish.  Virginian  May. 

This  variety  was  brought  by  the  father  of  the  author  from 
Richmond,  Virginia.  The  tree  is  thrifty,  and  attains  to  the 
usual  size  of  its  class,  being  generally  about  15  to  18  feet  in 
height,  with  a round  and  well  formed  head,  rather  more 
spreading  than  elevated  : a part  of  the  branches  take  a some^ 
what  drooping  inclination,  but  whether  this  is  natural,  or  is 
caused  by  its  great  crops  of  fruit,  I cannot  decide.  The  fruit 
is  of  large  size,  nearly  round,  and  of  a beautiful  red  colour  ; 
the  flesh  exceedingly  tender,  rich,  juicy,  of  a fine  flavour,  and 
pleasant  sprightly  acid  taste.  When  fully  ripe,  if  the  fingers 
in  plucking  the  fruit,  press  only  upon  the  flesh,  it  will  strip  off, 
leaving  the  stone  and  peduncle  attached  to  the  tree  ; the  latter 
is  quite  short,  and  adheres  to  the  branch  rather  more  strongly 
than  is  usually  the  case.  This  tree  is  exceedingly  productive, 
and  the  fruit  becomes  red  nearly  or  quite  as  soon  as  the  May- 
duke,  and  being  in  very  great  estimation  for  tarts,  he.  it 
commands  a high  price  at  market ; and  it  is  said  by  those 
who  cultivate  the  trees  for  that  purpose,  that  they  yield  a 
greater  profit  than  any  other  variety. 

KENTISH  RED.  Pr.  cat.  Coxe. 

Late  Kentish.  Pie  Cherry.  Common  Red. 

Kentish,  of  American  collections. 

This  is  a variety  of  the  Montmorency,  but  I have  not  yet 
been  able  to  identify  it  with  any  of  those  I cultivate  of  that 
class.  It  is  propagated  in  this  vicinity  from  seeds  and  from 
suckers.  The  young  trees  spring  up  along  the  hedges,  and 
large  numbers  are  planted  along  the  sides  of  the  highway. 
They  attain  only  to  moderate  dimensions,  seldom  over  fifteen 
feet  in  height,  with  a small,  round,  and  compact  head  ; the 
fruit  is  of  medium  size,  of  nearly  a round  form,  too  acid 


CHERRIES. 


143 


to  be  pleasant  for  eating,  except  in  tarts  and  preserved,  for 
which  purpose  it  is  greatly  used  and  much  esteemed.  It  ripens 
in  July,  about  a month  after  the  earlier  varieties  of  cherries, 
and  is  the  latest  that  is  met  with  in  the  markets,  the  people 
who  pursue  the  avocation  of  supplying  them,  having  totally 
neglected  to  cultivate  the  finer  late  varieties.  The  present 
variety  appears  to  be  a smaller  fruit  than  the  Kentish  cherry 
of  Forsyth,  which  is  described  by  him  as  synonymous  with 
the  short  stem  Montmorency. 

COMMON  MORELLO.  Pr.  cat. 

Black  Morello.  Pr.  Cat.  26th  ed. 

This  tree  attains  but  moderate  dimensions,  and  forms  a 
round  head,  with  innumerable  small  slender  branches;  the 
fruit  is  only  of  medium  size,  but  its  flavour,  when  fully  ripe, 
is  peculiarly  sprightly,  rich,  and  highly  pleasant  to  the  taste. 
It  is  one  of  the  finest  for  drying,  and  also  for  tarts,  preserves, 
and  brandy,  and  when  bottled  may  be  preserved  for  a long- 
period,  without  spirits  or  sugar.  It  attains  its  maturity  late 
in  July  ; is  seldom  attacked  by  insects  or  birds,  and  often 
becomes  shrivelled  and  dry,  while  still  hanging  on  the  branches. 
It  is  unfortunate  that  this  variety  is  more  subject  than  any 
other  cherry  to  the  attacks  of  the  same  insect  which  so  fre- 
‘quently  stings  certain  varieties  of  the  plum,  and  which  often 
perforates  the  branches  of  this  tree  to  such  an  extent  that  they 
are  covered  with  the  numerous  knots  and  excrescences  which 
arise  therefrom.  The  only  remedy  is  to  prune  off  all  branches 
thus  attacked  at  the  period  when  the  insect  or  its  eggs  are 
concealed  therein,  and  to  burn  them  immediately,  for  if  they 
are  left  to  increase  annually,  they  present  a most  disagreeable 
appearance,  and  in  time  entirely  destroy  the  tree.  The  same 
course  may  be  adopted  with  success  for  all  other  trees  attacked 
in  a similar  manner  ; and  if  it  was  adopted  generally  through- 
out our  country,  it  would  in  a few  years  nearly  or  quite  anni- 
hilate this  formidable  depredator  on  our  gardens  and  orchards. 
Formerly  this  variety  of  the  Morello  was  very  common  in  this 
vicinity,  and  frequently  met  with  planted  along  the  sides  of 


144 


CHERRIES. 


the  highway ; but  the  depredations  of  the  insect  referred  to, 
and  a total  inattention  to  all  remedies  have  rendered  it  at  the 
present  period  quite  a rare  tree. 

LARGE  MORELLO.  Auth. 

English  Morello.  Pr.  cat.  26th  ed.  | Merella,  Law. 

Morelia.  Lang.  | Morello.  Mil.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

Large  English  Morello.  Milan. 

Griottier  du  nord.  Die.  d’Agric. 

This  tree  attains  a moderate  size,  with  a round  compact 
head  ; its  shoots  are  stronger  than  our  common  Morello,  and 
the  branches  are  never  attacked  by  the  insect  which  so  often 
perforates  the  common  variety,  and  causes  large  and  numerous 
excrescences  to  be  formed.  The  fruit  is  of  large  size,  round, 
and  of  a dark  red  colour,  almost  black,  and  when  perfectly  ripe 
is  tender  and  juicy,  with  a sprightly  and  pleasant  acidity.  In 
England  they  preserve  the  fruit  on  the  trees  till  September 
and  even  October,  and  it  is  then  highly  esteemed  for  the  dessert. 
It  is  not,  however,  properly  speaking,  a table  fruit,  but  best 
suited  for  tarts,  preserves,  and  cherry  brandy.  It  ripens  among 
the  latest  varieties  in  July,  and  the  tree  is  productive. 

PLUMSTONE  MORELLO.  Pk.  cat.  Loxd.  hort.  cat. 

This  is  the  largest  variety  of  the  Morello  that  I have  yet 
seen,  but  it  is  stated  that  some  of  the  kinds  from  the  north  of 
Europe  exceed  it  in  size.  It  is  round  in  its  diameter,  some- 
what pointed  at  the  extremity,  and  has  a long  stone  resembling 
that  of  a plum,  on  account  of  which  circumstance  it  received 
the  title  here  adopted.  When  perfectly  ripe  the  skin  is  of  a 
dark  red  colour  ; the  flesh  very  rich  and  high  flavoured,  with 
a sprightly  and  agreeable  acidity.  It  is  a most  excellent  fruit 
for  preserves,  tarts,  and  brandy ; and  as  it  ripens  late  in  July, 
after  most  other  cherries  are  past,  it  also  serves  as  a pleasing 
appendage  to  the  dessert.  The  tree  is  thrifty,  but,  like  the 
other  varieties,  attains  only  a moderate  size,  being  seldom 
over  twelve  or  fourteen  feet  in  height,  with  a round  well- 
formed  head  ; it  is  quite  productive,  and  I have  never  seen  it 


CHERRIES. 


145 


attacked  by  the  insect  that  depredates  to  such  an  extent  on  the 
Common  Morello,  which  circumstance,  together  with  its  great 
excellence,  gives  it  high  claims  to  that  general  estimation  in 
which  it  is  held. 

SOFT  STONE  CHERRY.  Auth. 

Cerise  a noyau  tendre.  Duh. 

Although  several  authors  make  mention  of  cherries  which 
contain  no  stones,  and  even  propose  the  means  of  having  them, 
yet  such  statements  may  be  justly  deemed  apocryphal.  The 
present  variety  has  obtained  its  name  from  a real  or  supposed 
claim  to  the  quality  its  title  indicates,  but  the  peculiarity  on 
which  it  is  based  seems  rather  to  be  doubted  by  some  writers. 
Duhamel  describes  this  fruit  as  being  eighteen  lines  in  diame- 
ter ; the  peduncle  very  slender,  and  thirteen  to  fourteen  lines 
in  length,  and  the  stone  thin  and  easily  broken.  It  is  stated 
in  the  New  Duhamel,  that  it  greatly  resembles  the  Holland 
Griotte,  and  that  it  is  perhaps  only  a sub-variety  of  that 
cherry.  The  tree  is  productive,  but  the  fruit  is  said  to  be 
indifferent  in  point  of  quality. 

GRIOTTE  D’  OSTHEIM.  Pk.  cat. 

Cerise  d’ OstJieims.  Pr.  Cat.  26th  ed.  | Grioitier  d’Osteims, 

This  variety  was  recently  introduced  into  our  country  by 
the  author,  and  sufficient  opportunities  have  not  yet  been 
afforded  to  fully  test  its  merits.  It  is  described  in  the  Diction- 
naire  d’ Agriculture  as  follows  : The  skin  is  of  a dark  colour, 
and  the  juice  is  also  coloured  ; the  flesh  is  sweet,  with  some 
acidity ; and  it  is  deemed  an  excellent  fruit.  The  branches 
of  the  tree  are  drooping,  or  somewhat  pendent,  and  the  leaves 
small.  In  the  north  of  France  it  ripens  at  tlie  end  of  July. 

LATE  LARGE  BLACK  GRIOTTE.  Auni. 

Grosse  Griotte  noire,  tardive.  ) 

Cerisier  a gros  fruit  noir,  tardif.  ^ 

M.  Le  Berriays  in  his  Traite  des  Jardins,  and  the  New 
Duhamel,  describe  this  variety  as  follows  : The  tree  is  of  niode- 

VOL.  II.  19 


146 


CHERRIES. 


rate  size,  with  numerous  slender  branches,  which  do  not  sup- 
port themselves  well,  and  many  of  which  perish  when  it  is  not 
pruned  ; its  leaves  are  small,  finely  indented  and  almost  as 
acute  towards  the  petiole  as  at  the  point ; its  fruit  is  borne  on 
very  long  peduncles,  measuring  from  two  to  two  and  a half 
inches ; it  is  quite  round  at  the  extremity  and  in  its  diameter, 
but  partially  flattened  at  the  base  ; it  is  slow  in  gaining  its 
full  size,  but  will  attain  to  a circumference  of  thirty-eight  lines ; 
the  skin  becomes  a very  dark  red  colour,  nearly  black  ; the 
flesh  is  red,  full  of  very  acid  and  bitter  juice,  which  is  some- 
what ameliorated  at  extreme  maturity.  It  is  stated  that  at 
Paris  this  cherry  will  continue  on  espalier  trees  facing  the 
north  until  in  October,  which  circumstance,  joined  to  that  of 
its  beauty,  is  worthy  of  consideration. 

NORTHERN  GRIOTTE.  Pr.  cat. 

Griotte  du  Nord.  Cerise  du  Nord.  N.  Duh. 

Brune  de  Bruxelles  7 

This  variety  appears  to  bear  great  resemblance  to  the 
preceding,  and  perhaps  it  varies  but  little,  or  is  not  at  all  dif- 
ferent. The  fruit  is  borne  upon  a peduncle  one  and  a half  to 
two  inches  long;  its  form  is  almost  spherical,  the  diameter 
being  eleven  lines,  and  its  height  ten ; the  skin  and  flesh  are 
both  of  a dark  red  colour.  This  is  a beautiful  cherry,  and 
acquires  sometimes  the  size  of  a medium  Green  Gage  plum, 
but  it  is  very  acid,  and  even  somewhat  bitter.  There  is  a 
sub-variety,  which  is  much  more  pleasant,  being  of  more  mild 
taste,  and  less  austere.  This  fruit  is  yet  rare  in  the  vicinity 
of  Paris,  but  is  very  much  disseminated  farther  to  the  north. 
In  Holland  it  is  almost  the  only  cherry  which  is  extensively 
cultivated,  and  its  culture  is  also  attended  with  great  success 
in  Belgium.  In  those  countries  they  make  use  of  its  fruit  for 
preserves,  and  especially  for  a kind  of  wine,  which  is  very 
pleasant,  and  of  which  the  higher  classes  consume  large  quan- 
tities. The  Dutch  obtained  this  variety  from  Russia. 


CHERRIES. 


147 


RATAFIA  GRIOTTE.  Pr.  cat. 

Griotte  a ratafia.  Cerisier  a ‘petit  f ruit  noir.  Duh. 

Common  Morello  1 

The  branches  of  this  tree  grow  pretty  erect,  and  free  from 
irregularity.  The  leaves  are  of  medium  size,  and  well  sup- 
ported on  their  petiole ; the  flowers  have  the  divisions  of  the 
calyx  indented,  as  is  the  case  with  those  of  most  of  the  seedling 
cherries  of  the  Griotte  class.  The  fruit  is  small,  being  only 
seven  to  eight  lines  in  diameter,  by  six  to  seven  in  height ; its 
skin  is  thick,  dark  red,  and  almost  black;  the  flesh  is  also  dark 
red,  acid  and  bitter  at  its  full  maturity,  which  it  attains  at  Paris 
during  the  month  of  August.  This  cherry  is  seldom  eaten, 
but  is  almost  wholly  used  to  make  ratafia  and  cherry  wine. 

SMALL  RATAFIA  GRIOTTE.  Auth. 

Petite  Griotte  a ratafia.  Cerisier  a tres  petit  fruit  noir.  Duh. 

This  cherry  is  smaller  than  the  preceding  one  ; its  peduncle 
is  longer,  and  often  attended  by  a small  leaflet  at  the  base  ; the 
skin  is,  like  the  foregoing,  of  a dark  red  colour,  and  its  flesh 
has  still  more  acidity,  sharpness,  and  bitterness  ; it  is  made  use 
of  for  the  same  purposes,  but  is  later  at  maturity,  and  at  Paris 
does  not  ripen  until  the  end  of  August. 

GERMAN  MORELLO.  Pr.  cat. 

German  Griotte.  | Griotte  d’ Allemagne.  Griotte  de  Chaux.  Duh. 

The  branches  of  this  variety  are  long  and  slender,  and  do 
not  support  themselves  well  ; the  leaves  are  broad,  and  its 
flowers  take  a moderate  expansion ; the  fruit,  whose  peduncle 
measures  fifteen  to  twenty  lines  in  length,  is  eleven  in  diame- 
ter, and  nearly  the  same  in  height ; its  skin  is  brownish  red, 
approaching  a black  buc,  ,and  its  flesh  dark  red.  This  is  a 
handsome  cherry,  and  it  is  lo  be  regretted  tliat  it  is  subject  to 
blight,  and  is  also  too  acid,  and  even  sour,  when  planted  in  a 
cold  and  humid  soil.  It  ripens  in  the  first  part  of  July. 


148 


CHERRIES. 


COMMON  FRENCH  GRIOTTE.  Auth. 

Griotte  commune.  Griottier.  Duh. 

This  tree  is  of  large  size,  and  supports  its  branches  well ; it 
is  very  productive,  and  is  one  of  the  kinds  most  worthy  of 
culture  for  the  crops ; the  fruit  is  of  medium  size,  compressed 
at  its  base,  and  supported  by  a peduncle  eighteen  to  twenty- 
four  lines  in  length  ; it  is  nine  to  ten  lines  in  diameter,  by 
rather  more  in  height ; the  skin  is  shining  dark  red,  and 
almost  black  at  its  extreme  maturity ; the  flesh  is  of  the  same 
colour,  and  both  sweet  and  pleasant.  This  cherry  ripens  in 
July,  and  is  deemed  an  excellent  fruit. 

LARGE  GRIOTTE.  Pk.  cat. 

Grosse  Griotte.  N.  Duh.  Le  Berr. 

This  variety  resembles  the  preceding  one,  but  it  ripens 
rather  sooner,  and  is  of  larger  size  ; the  skin  is  delicate,  black, 
and  shining ; its  flesh  of  a very  dark  red  colour,  firm,  sweet, 
and  of  a pleasant  flavour. 

POITOU  GRIOTTE.  Auth. 

Griotte  de  Poitou.  Guindoux  de  Poitou.  N.  Duh.  Le  Berr. 

This  tree  is  described  in  the  Traite  des  Jardins,  and  in  the 
New  Duhamel,  as  somewhat  larger  than  the  Villennes  cherry; 
its  branches  are  less  numerous,  but  of  rather  larger  size ; its 
leaves  are  of  much  greater  dimensions,  broader,  with  larger 
and  deeper  indentures  on  their  edges ; the  fruit  is  similar  in 
form,  and  of  nearly  the  same  size  ; it  is  washed  with  pale  red 
at  the  commencement  of  its  maturity,  but  afterwards  becomes 
of  a very  dark  red  hue,  though  not  as  blackish  as  the  other 
Griottes ; the  flesh,  which  is  also  dark  red,  is  tender,  and 
replete  with  juice  of  an  excellent  taste;  the  stone  is  small; 
the  stem  quite  large,  and  of  medium  length.  It  ripens  at  the 
end  of  June,  and  the  tree  has,  like  some  other  Griottes,  the 
defect  of  producing  only  a small  quantity  of  fruit,  even  when 
trained  in  the  espalier  form. 


CHERRIES. 


149 


GRIOTTE  GUIGNE.  Duh.  Roz. 

Cerise-Guigne.  Cei'ise  d’ Angleterre.  Duh. 

This  tree  attains  to  a rather  large  size,  and  is  very  prO” 
ductive ; the  flowers  are  large,  disposed  in  umbels  of  three  to 
five  each,  and  these  umbels  are  grouped,  to  the  number  of  ten 
or  fifteen,  at  the  extremity  of  the  branches ; the  fruit  is  ten 
lines  in  diameter,  and  nine  in  height ; it  is  larger  at  the  base 
than  at  its  summit,  and  also  partially  flattened  at  its  sides, 
which  gives  it  the  form  of  a contracted  Heart  cherry ; the 
peduncle  is  slender,  and  one  and  a half  to  two  inches  in 
length  ; the  skin  at  perfect  maturity  becomes  dark  red,  but 
has  less  of  a blackish  hue  than  most  of  the  other  varieties  of 
Griottes;  the  flesh  is  red,  sweet,  and  pleasant,  but  not  very 
rich.  This  cherry  ripens  towards  the  end  of  June,  and  is  one 
of  the  varieties  that  are  most  extensively  cultivated  in  France. 

HEART-SHAPED  GRIOTTE.  Auth. 

Griotte  CcRur.  Cerise  Cceur.  N.  Duh.  Le  Berr. 

This  tree  attains  to  a rather  large  size,  and  its  branches  are 
of  ordinary  dimensions ; the  leaves,  which  are  of  a thin  sub- 
stance, finely  but  not  deeply  indented,  are  not  well  supported, 
in  consequence  of  the  petioles  being  feeble ; they  are  not  of 
very  large  size,  and  the  most  of  them  are  of  a rhomboid  form, 
being  almost  as  narrow  next  the  petiole  as  at  the  point,  which 
is  short,  their  greatest  breadth  being  about  the  middle ; the  fruit, 
which  is  more  heart-shaped  than  any  other  of  its  class,  is  ten 
lines  in  diameter  and  nine  in  height,  flattened  at  its  sides  ; the 
skin  is  of  a brownish  red,  but  not  very  dark,  and  the  flesh  red, 
moderately  melting,  and  sweet,  accompanied  by  a slight  de- 
gree of  bitterness.  This  cherry  ripens  in  the  earlier  part  of 
July. 

LARGE  GUINDOLLE.  Autii. 

Grosse  Guindolle.  N.  Duh.  Le  Berr. 

This  tree,  which  is  cultivated  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Poi- 
tiers in  France,  has  no  peculiarity  of  appearance.  Its  leaves. 


150 


CHERRIES. 


which  are  of  moderate  dimensions,  and  broad,  are  pretty 
deeply  indented,  and  even  double  toothed ; the  fruit,  whose 
stem  is  eighteen  lines  in  length,  and  inserted  in  a small  and 
slight  cavity,  is  of  large  size,  flattened  at  its  extremities,  and 
measures  an  inch  in  diameter  by  only  nine  lines  in  height ; 
its  colour  is  a fine  pale  red ; the  flesh  is  w’hite,  very  melting, 
with  abundance  of  sweet  and  rich  juice.  It  ripens  at  the  end 
of  June  or  beginning  of  July. 

PRUSSIAN  CHERRY.  Auth. 

Griotte  de  Prusse.  Cerise  de  Priisse.  N.  Duh,  Le  Berr. 

This  fruit,  which  is  borne  on  a slender  peduncle  fifteen  to 
eighteen  lines  in  length,  is  seldom  more  than  nine  lines  in 
diameter  by  eight  in  height ; it  is  partially  heart-shaped,  and 
marked  occasionally  on  one  side  by  a suture ; its  skin  is  dark 
red,  approaching  to  black  at  its  extreme  maturity,  and  its  flesh 
red,  sweet,  and  pleasant,  but  less  firm  than  that  of  many 
Griottes,  and  less  melting  than  that  of  others.  In  favourable 
expositions  this  variety  ripens  during  the  earlier  part  of  June. 
It  is  remarked  in  the  New  Duhamel,  which  was  published  in 
1825,  that  this  tree  is  not  much  disseminated  in  France,  but 
that  it  merits  to  be  so,  on  account  of  its  abundant  crops, 
although  they  are  not  quite  equal  to  those  produced  by  the 
Griotte-Guigne,  and  also  because  its  fruit  is  intermediate 
among  the  varieties  of  its  class. 

POPE’S  CHERRY.  Auth. 

Cerise  d’ltalie.  Cerise  du  Pape.  N.  Duh. 

This  variety,  which  has  been  cultivated  of  late  years  at 
Montmorency,  and  other  parts  of  France,  was  obtained  from 
Italy.  The  following  description  is  given  of  it  in  the  New 
Duhamel : 

“ The  leaves  have  no  striking  peculiarity ; the  fruit  is 
round,  of  a fine  red  colour,  and  of  the  largest  size;  the  pedun- 
cle is  very  long,  and  the  flesh  similar  in  quality  to  the  Short- 
stem  Montmorency,  but  has  more  firmness.” 


CHERRIES. 


151 


This  cherry  does  not  there  become  fully  ripe  until  about 
the  15th  of  July,  at  which  period  the  tree  presents  a great 
singularity,  which  is  that  of  still  having  some  cherries  on  it 
entirely  green,  whereas  the  greater  part  of  the  others  have 
acquired  their  full  maturity. 

PEACH-BLOSSOMED.  Auth. 

Cerisier  a jleur  de  Packer.  N.  Duh. 

This  variety  is  in  no  wise  remarkable,  except  as  respects 
the  colour  of  its  blossoms,  which,  instead  of  being  white,  as  is 
the  case  with  other  kinds,  are  of  a rose-colour. 

STRIPED.LEAVED.  Auth. 

Cerisier  a feuilles  panachees.  N.  Duh. 

Griotte  d feuilles  panachees.  Die.  d’Agric. 

This  variety,  as  well  as  the  preceding,  is  cultivated  for 
ornament,  its  peculiarity  consisting  merely  in  its  striped  foli- 
age, the  fruit  having  no  particular  claims  to  superiority  or 
merit. 

DWARF  DOUBLE-FLOWERING.  Pk.  cat. 

Small  Double  flowering.  Douhle-fiowering  Kentish, 

Cerisier  dfeur  double.  N.  Duh. 

Prunus  capronianaflore  pleno. 

Griottier  d fleurs  doubles.  Griotte  double, 

Prunus  Cerasus  fore  pleno. 

Cerasus  caproniana,  multiplex.  Loud.  Hort.  Brit. 

This  tree  is  of  the  same  species  as  the  Kentish,  Morello,  and 
Duke  cherries,  and  unlike  the  other  double-flowering  variety 
described,  attains  to  but  a moderate  size,  and  when  inoculated 
near  the  ground  seldom  forms  more  than  a large  shrub  or  very 
low  tree.  The  blossoms  are  exceedingly  double,  very  showy, 
of  even  greater  diameter  than  the  other  variety,  but  the  petals 
project  less  and  make  less  display  ; the  blossoms  often  have 
some  small  leaflets  intermingled  with  the  petals,  and  frequently 
present  the  appearance  of  several  flowers  concentrated  in  one. 
This  species  is  not  so  beautiful  as  the  other,  but  as  that  forms 
a large  tree  and  this  but  a shrub,  the  two  serve  to  occupy  very 


152 


CHERRIES. 


different  locations  in  the  garden  or  pleasure  ground ; this 
also  has  the  advantage  of  blooming  much  later  than  the  other, 
and  scarcely  begins  to  expand  its  bloom  until  that  has  faded. 
Duhamel  describes  a semi-double  variet}^,  which  I have  never 
seen  nor  been  able  to  procure.  Miller  mentions  a double- 
flowered  cherry,  but  without  any  particulars,  so  that  it  is 
impossible  to  decide  whether  he  referred  to  this  variety,  or  to 
the  one  before  described. 

ALL-SAINTS.  Pr.  cat.  Loxd.  hdrt.  cat. 

Pendent  Jlowerinft.  Ever -flowering.  Weeping  cherry. 

Cerise  tardive.  \ Prunus  semperflorens.  Willd.  Pers.  synop. 

Cerasus  semperflorens.  N.  Duh.  Decand.  Loud.  Hort.  cat. 

„ > of  most  European  collections,  erroneously, 

Pmnu3  serotina,  ^ Michaux,  &c.  ' 

Cerise  de  la  Toussaint.  Cerise  de  St.  Martin. 

Cerisier  d lafeuille. 

This  variety  forms  naturally  a tree  of  but  medium  size,  with 
very  thickly-set  branches,  which  are  slender,  feeble,  and  par- 
tially^ pendent ; its  leaves  are  alternate,  of  an  oval  and  some- 
what  lanceolate  form,  indented  on  their  borders,  and  have 
usually  a gland  on  each  of  the  teeth  next  the  petiole  ; the 
flowers  are  produced  on  slender  pendent  peduncles,  and  are 
attended  by  bractes  ; they  do  not  begin  to  expand  till  June, 
and  continue  to  bloom  in  succession  for  a long  period.  The 
appearance  of  the  tree,  with  its  weeping  or  drooping  blossoms, 
is  peculiarly  striking ; in  addition  to  which  circumstance,  the 
period  of  their  expansion  is  when  the  other  varieties  of  cherries 
are  mostly  at  maturity^  The  fruit  is  of  the  size  of  our  smallest 
cherries,  and  in  taste  somewhat  resembles  the  Common  Mo- 
rello,  being  acid,  and  not  very  pleasant ; the  skin  is  firm,  and 
of  a pale  colour,  and  the  flesh  white.  The  cherries  ripen  in 
continuation,  from  the  month  of  July  to  a much  later  period, 
and  the  ripe  fruit,  green  fruit,  and  flowers,  may  be  often  seen 
on  the  tree  at  the  same  time.  The  quantity  of  fruit  produced 
is  however  so  very  small,  that  the  tree  is  not  of  value  except 
as  a curiosity.  It  is  a hardy  variety,  but  requires  to  have  a 
portion  of  the  branches  thinned  out,  or  they  will  become  too 


CHERRIES. 


153 


dense.  It  acquired  the  title  adopted  in  consequence  of  its 
producing  ripe  fruit  at  All-Saints  day. 

DWARF  SIBERIAN.  Pr.  cat. 

Prunus  chamcBcerasus,  | Cerasus  charncBcerasus.  N.  Duh. 

Cerisier  de  Siberie. 

This  variety  attains  at  most  but  three  to  four  feet  in  height ; 
its  branches  are  very  numerous,  forming  a dense  shrub ; the 
leaves  are  of  a long-oval  form,  with  short  petioles  ; the  flowers 
have  rather  long  peduncles,  and  are  sometimes  solitary,  but 
most  generally  united  in  umbels  of  from  three  to  five  each, 
which  are  sessile  and  axillary  ; the  fruit  is  globular,  of  a bright 
red  colour,  and  about  the  size  of  our  smallest  cherries ; the 
flesh  is  red,  very  acid,  but  not  disagreeable  when  perfectly 
ripe.  The  flowers  expand  in  April,  and  the  fruit  ripens  about 
two  months  afterwards.  It  is  deemed  the  most  suitable  species 
to  furnish  stocks  for  dwarf  trees  of  the  fine  varieties,  being 
exceedingly  hardy,  and  requiring  no  particular  care.  It  was 
introduced  by  the  . author  about  eight  years  since. 

WEEPING.  Pr  cat. 

Prunus  pendula.  Fern-leaved. 

This  variety  seems  nearly  allied  to  the  All-Saints  and  Dwarf 
Siberian,  but  its  branches  are  far  more  pendent  than  those  of 
any  other  cherry.  The  tree  is  usually  ingrafted  at  six  or 
eight  feet  from  the  ground,  when  it  forms  a round  and  very 
compact  head,  which  is  rendered  dense  by  the  Innumerable 
slender  branches  which  shoot  forth  in  every  direction ; this  head 
seldom  exceeds  four  or  five  feet  in  diameter,  and  from  it  the 
delicate  branches  weep  on  all  sides  until  they  trail  upon  the 
earth,  thus  presenting  to  the  view  a most  interesting  and  singu- 
lar spectacle,  highly  ornamental  to  the  pleasure-ground.  The 
fruit  is  of  medium  size,  and  when  fully  ripe  is  of  a pleasant 
acid  flavour,  similar  to  the  Morello,  and  ripens  about  the  same 
time.  Two  trees  imported  from  London,  one  under  the  name 
of  Fern-leaved,  and  the  other  under  that  of  Prunus  pendula, 
have  proved  to  be  the  present  variety. 

VOL.  II.  20 


154 


CHERRIES. 


EUROPEAN  BIRD  CHERRY.  Pr.  cat. 

Prunus  padtis,  Lin.  Willd.  Pers.  synop.  &c, 

Cerasus  padus.  Duh.  Decandolle.  | Prunus  avium.  Mil. 

This  tree  attains  to  a height  of  nine  to  ten  feet,  or  twelve  at 
most ; the  leaves  are  alternate,  and  of  an  oval-lanceolate  form  ; 
the  flowers  are  white,  disposed  in  long  clusters,  or  racemes, 
which  are  somewhat  pendent,  and  being  very  numerous,  they 
render  the  tree  highly  ornamental  at  the  flowering  season ; the 
fruit  is  round,  red,  or  black,  according  to  the  variety,  and 
similar  in  size  and  appearance  to  our  common  Bird  cherry, 
( P.  Virginiana,)  wdiich  it  resembles  in  quality,  and  is  there- 
fore suitable  for  the  same  purpose,  which  is  that  of  making 
what  is  called  cherry-bounce,  or  cherry-brandy.  The  birds 
are  equally  as  fond  of  the  fruit  as  of  our  native  species,  and 
the  tree  is  so  hardy  that  it  is  said  to  flourish  in  Sweden  and  in 
Kamschatka.  There  are  several  varieties,  which  vary  in  the 
colour  of  the  fruit,  and  in  other  respects  ; one  of  these  has 
gold-striped,  and  another  silver-striped  leaves. 

DAVENPORT.  Pk.  cat. 

DavenporVs  New  Mayduhe.  New  MayduTce.  American  Red  Heart. 

This  fruit  is  of  the  same  colour  as  the  Black  Heart,  and  of 
pleasant  flavour.  The  tree  is  said  not  to  attain  to  so  great  a 
* size  as  that  variety ; the  body  and  limbs  are  apt  to  have 
swellings  or  excrescences  on  them,  and  the  bark,  on  young 
shoots,  is  covered  with  small  white  specks.  Mr.Davenport  states 
that  the  fruit  ripens  two  weeks  before  the  Black  Heart,  which 
it  equals  in  size  and  quality,  and  that  it  is  less  subject  to  rot  in 
wet  w^eather.  If  the  tree  sent  to  me  under  this  title  be  correct, 
it  belongs  to  the  class  of  Heart  cherries. 

DOWNER’S  LATE  RED.  Pr.  cat. 

This  tree  grows  vigorously,  and  belongs  to  the  class  of 
Heart  cherries,  as  its  grow'th  evidently  indicates.  The  fruit  is 
red,  of  good  size,  and  fine  flavour.  It  is  one  of  the  late 
varieties  in  point  of  maturity,  and  much  esteemed  as  a market 
fruit.  The  tree  is  very  productive. 


ALMONDS. 


LARGE-FRUITED.  Auth. 

Amandier  d gros  fruits.  N.  Duh.  | Jordan  7 

This  variety  is  remarkable  for  the  size,  sweetness,  and 
firmness  of  its  almonds,  and  is  said  by  Duhamel  to  merit  culti- 
vation more  than  any  other.  The  leaves  are  at  least  a third 
larger  than  those  of  the  wild  or  common  almond,  and  acumi- 
nate at  their  extremities  ; the  shoots  are  large  and  vigorous ; 
the  flowers  are  large ; the  petals  very  much  hollowed  at  their 
summits,  and  more  or  less  undulated  on  their  edges;  the  drupe 
is  covered  with  a pretty  thick  skin;  the  shell  is  rather  hard, 
and  the  almond  large  and  of  excellent  taste  ; the  peduncle  is 
very  short  and  thick,  and  inserted  obliquely  in  the  fruit. 

SMALL-FRUITED.  Auth. 

Amandier  d petiis  fruits.  N.  Duh.  | Common  Almond. 

This  differs  from  the  preceding  in  the  size  of  its  fruit,  being 
smaller,  more  or  less  oblong,  covered  with  a whitish  green 
skin,  which  is  coated  with  thick  down.  The  stone  terminates 
in  an  acute  point,  and  the  almond  it  encloses  is  sweet,  and  of 
a very  pleasant  taste ; the  leaves  are  narrow  and  oblong ; the 
petals  are  very  broad,  and  somewhat  furrowed,  and  there 
are  sometimes  as  many  as  six  of  them  to  one  flower.  This 
almond,  which  is  the  most  common  in  the  French  gardens, 
produces  quite  good  crops.  There  is  another  variety,  that 
has  white  blossoms,  but  with  whose  fruit  I am  unacquainted. 


156 


ALftlONDS. 


LADIES’  THIN-SHELL.  Pk.  cat. 

Amandier  des  Dames.  N.  Duh. 

This  variety  is  principally  characterized  by  the  shell,  which 
is  far  more  tender,  and  is  easily  broken  between  the  fingers ; 
the  almond  enclosed  in  it  is  sweet  and  very  delicate  ; the 
leaves  are  only  of  moderate  size,  supported  by  large  petioles ; 
the  flowers  are  of  medium  dimensions,  the  petals  but  half  as 
broad  as  they  are  long,  rather  deeply  hollowed  at  the  summit, 
of  a lively  red  at  the  base,  and  sometimes  entirely  red  on  the 
outside,  and  white  within.  This  tree  blossoms  later  than  the 
other  kinds,  and  its  first  leaves  expand  at  the  same  time  as  the 
flowers,  whereas  the  other  varieties  expand  their  flowers  before 
the  development  of  their  leaves  ; the  stone  is  formed,  like  that 
of  other  almonds  of  two  parallel  coverings,  the  interior  one  of 
which  is.  thin  and  rather  hard,  and  the  exterior  one  thicker, 
but  so  easily  broken  that  when  transported  to  a considerable 
distance  the  friction  of  the  almonds  against  one  another 
reduces  it  to  powder  ; it  does  not  attain  its  formation  until  a 
long  time  after  the  interior  covering,  so  that  if  about  the 
middle  of  August  the  skin  of  the  fruit  be  taken  off,  it  will  be 
found  scarcely  apparent,  and  will  detach  itself  with  the  enve- 
lope ; and  it  is  this  backwardness  in  its  formation  which 
prevents  it  from  becoming  hard.  This  is  one  of  the  varieties 
that  most  deserve  to  be  cultivated,  although  Duhamel  men- 
tions that  in  France  its  flowers  are  a little  subject  to  be 
blighted.  The  same  author  also  states  that  old  trees  some- 
times produce  almonds  with  a rather  hard  shell,  but  far  less  so 
than  those  of  the  common  ^almonds. 

SULTAN.  Pr.  cat. 

Sweet  Sultan,  Pr.  cat.,  26th  ed.  | Amandier  Sultane,  N.  Duh. 

The  principal  difference  between  this  and  the  Ladies’ 
almond,  consists  in  the  size  of  the  fruit,  which  is  smaller  in 
the  present  case.  This  variety  is  common  in  Provence,  where 


ALMONDS. 


157 


they  also  greatly  estimate  another  kind  of  almond,  which  I 
will  proceed  next  to  describe. 

riSTACHIA  ALMOND.  Pr.  cat. 

Amande  Pistache,  N.  Duh. 

This  is  nearly  of  the  same  size  and  form  as  a Pistachia  nut, 
and  is  therefore  still  smaller  than  the  Sultan  almond.  The 
stone  terminates  in  a point,  and  the  shell  is  very  tender  ; the 
almond  is  firm,  and  of  good  taste.  The  tree  differs  only 
from  other  almonds  by  the  small  size  of  its  fruit  and  leaves. 

GREAT  FRUITED.  Pr.  cat. 

Large  fruited.  Pr.  cat.  26  ed. 

Amygdalus  macrocarpa,  of  English  collections. 

A variety  of  the  almond  has  been  recently  brought  into 
particular  notice  in  England  under  the  botanic  title  quoted 
above,  and  was  imported  by  the  author  under  the  impression 
of  its  being  a novel  acquisition  ; but  on  examination  it  has 
proved  to  be  one  of  the  fine  varieties  which  his  father  has  cul- 
tivated at  Flushing  for  more  than  thirty  years.  The  tree  is 
of  more  vigorous  growth  than  most  other  almonds  ; the  bark 
is  of  a yellowish  brown  colour,  and  the  growth  quite  peculiar 
on  account  of  the  young  branches  often  taking  an  undulating 
form,  similar  to  that  of  the  Tobacco  leaved  cherry,  which  pro- 
bably arises  from  their  very  rapid  growth,  without  a propor- 
tionate increase  of  strength.  The  leaves  are  larger,  and  the 
whole  tree  presents  a much  more  thriving  appearance  than  the 
Ladies  or  Sultan  almonds,  and  is  also  much  more  hardy.  It  is 
the  only  one  of  the  sweet  soft-shell  varieties  that  has  ripened 
its  fruit  well  in  this  vicinity,  as  they  do  not  generally  succeed 
in  this  respect  to  the  north  of  the  Potowmac,  and  even  the 
present  one  only  attains  its  perfection  in  our  most  favourable 
seasons.  The  late  Dr.  Bard,  of  Hyde  Park,  had  a fine  crop 
from  a tree  growing  on  his  grounds,  and  he  described  the  fruit 
as  extremely  large  and  of  the  finest  quality.  This  is  the  far- 
thest to  the  north  that  perfect  fruit  has  yet  been  produced,  and 


158 


ALMONDS. 


It  must  be  attributed  to  a most  advantageous  location,  or  to  a 
very  favourable  season.  As  the  almond  can,  however,  be  culti- 
vated very  profitably  in  Virginia,  it  is  probable  that  but  few 
years  will  elapse  ere  extensive  orchards  are  planted  in  that 
state  for  supplying  our  citizens  with  a fruit  which  is  now  im- 
ported in  such  great  quantities. 

COMMON  BITTER  HARDSHELL.  Pr.  cat. 

This  tree  has  leaves  of  greater  length  and  of  a darker  green 
than  most  of  the  sweet  fruited  varieties ; the  flowers  are  also 
of  much  larger  size,  and  make  a greater  show  when  the  tree  is 
in  bloom,  which  takes  place  before  the  blossoms  of  peach  trees 
have  expanded,  and  about  the  same  period  as  the  Apricot. 
The  drupe  is  oblong,  and  terminates  in  a long  acute  point. 
The  tree  is  very  productive,  and  the  fruit  ripens  regularly  in 
the  gardens  of  this  vicinity.  There  is  quite  an  extensive 
-consumption  of  this  fruit  in  the  confectionary  establishments 
of  our  cities. 

LARGE  BITTER  HARDSHELL.  Pr.  cat. 

Grosse  Cassante, 

The  fruit  of  this  variety  bears  considerable  resemblance  to 
the  preceding,  and  so  does  the  growth  of  the  tree  ; but  on  a 
close  comparison  of  the  latter,  it  will  be  perceived  to  be  difier- 
ent ; the  leaves  are  long,  and  the  flowers  of  large  size  and 
showy  ; the  fruit,  like  the  foregoing  one,  has  a hard  shell  and 
a bitter  kernel,  as  its  name  indicates. 

SMALL  BITTER  ALMOND.  Auth. 

Duhamel  states  that  this  variety  has  much  smaller  fruit 
than  the  one  previously  described,  it  being  but  an  inch  in 
length,  and  seven  lines  in  diameter.  The  flowers  also  distin- 
guish it ; they  are  seventeen  to  eighteen  lines  in  breadth,  and 
the  petals  are  very  narrow  in  proportion  to  their  length,  the 
latter  measuring  eight  and  a half  lines,  while  their  width  is  but 
five  and  a half ; they  are  deeply  cleft,  and  slightly  tinged  with 
red  at  the  base. 


ALMONDS. 


159 


BITTER  SOFTSHELL.  Auxn. 

Amandier  d noyau  tendre  et  amande  amere. 

This  variety,  Duhamel  remarks,  differs  only  from  the  La- 
dies’ almond  in  respect  to  its  taste  and  its  flowers,  the  latter  of 
which  are  fourteen  to  fifteen  lines  in  diameter,  and  more  re- 
semble those  of  the  Common  almond  than  the  Ladle’s  almond^ 
but  expand  at  the  same  period  as  those  of  the  latter  variety. 

PEACH  ALMOND.  Pr.  cat.  Lond.  hort.  cat. 

Amandier  Packer.  N.  Duh. 

There  is  nothing  that  more  strikingly  proves  the  great 
affinity  of  the  almond  and  the  peach  than  this  variety. 
It  partakes  both  of  the  Common  almond  and  the  peach,  but 
generally  rather  more  of  the  former  than  the  latter.  The 
fruit  is  sometimes  covered  with  a dry  and  thin  skin  similar  to 
that  of  almonds  generally,  and  other  times  with  a thick  and 
succulent  pulp  resembling  that  of  the  peach,  but  of  a bitterish 
taste.  It  often  happens  that  these  two  kinds  of  fruit  are  pro- 
duced on  the  same  tree,  and  sometimes  upon  the  same  branch  ; 
they  are  in  both  cases  large,  round  or  somewhat  oblong, 
greenish,  slightly  downy,  and  enclose  a large  stone  which  is 
almost  smooth,  and  contains  a sweet  almond.  This  variety 
appears  to  be  one  of  those  hybrids,  which,  according  to  Du- 
hamel, are  produced  by  an  almond  when  its  flower  has  been 
fertilized  by  the  pollen  of  a peach-blossom.  M.  Bernard 
thinks  that  ingrafting  may  have  had  great  influence  in  pro- 
ducing this  peculiar  variety,  and  founds  his  opinions  upon 
the  statement  of  Dr.  Beal  in  the  Transactions  Philosophiques  ; 
but  this  opinion  of  M.  Bernard  will,  to  say  the  least  of  it,  admit 
of  much  argument,  and  my  present  opinion  is  decidedly  adverse 
to  his  position.  The  tree  is  of  strong  and  vigorous  growth  ; 
its  leaves  are  smooth  and  narrow,  and  finely  indented  on  their 
edges  ; being  intermediate  in  their  form  between  those  of  the 
peach  and  the  almond.  The  blossoms  are  white,  washed  with 
red,  rather  large,  and  partially  hollowed  at  their  summit. 


160 


ALMONDS. 


SILVERY  ORIENTAL.  Pr.  cat. 

Amygdalus  argentea,  N.  Duh. 

Amygdalus  orient  alts. 

This  is  a distinct  species,  and  is  cultivated  only  for  orna- 
ment. It  is  a handsome  shrub,  or  small  tree,  and  attains  to 
the  height  of  eight  to  ten  feet  ; its  limbs  spread  in  every  di- 
rection, from  which  spring  numerous  slender,  supple  branches, 
most  of  them  inclined  or  bent,  and  which  are  covered  with  a 
whitish  pubescence  ; the  leaves  are  not  closely  set,  but  scat- 
tered over  the  branches ; they  have  petioles,  and  are  reflexed^ 
of  a long-oval  form,  with  very  entire  edges,  white  and  downy 
on  both  sides,  shining  and  almost  of  a silvery  hue,  partially 
acute  at  the  extremity,  and  contracted  at  the  base ; they  are 
about  an  inch  in  length  by  half  an  inch  in  breadth,  and  do 
not  fall  off  until  very  late  in  the  season.  The  flowers  expand 
during  the  first  fine  days  of  spring,  a short  time  before  the 
appearance  of  the  leaves,  and  are  small,  of  a delicate  rose- 
colour,  ranged  along  the  branches  on  short  petioles,  either 
singly  or  two  or  three  together  ; the  fruit  is  small,  somewhat 
oval,  terminating  in  a long  sharp  point.  This  species  is  a 
native  of  the  Levant,  and  grows  in  the  vicinity  of  Aleppo. 
Its  appearance  is  particularly  ornamental  to  the  pleasure 
ground  in  the  spring  on  account  of  its  flowers,  and  in  au- 
tumn its  foliage  is  so  from  its  long  continuance.  This  shrub 
will  not  bear  our  winters  much  farther  north  than  New-York. 

DWARF  SINGLE  FLOWERING.  Pr.  cat. 

Amygdalus  nana.  N.  Duh.  Lin.  Mil.,&;c. 

This  is  a small  and  very  ornamental  shrub,  with  running 
roots  ; the  body  is  slender,  with  many  small  branches,  and 
from  one  to  two  feet  in  height ; the  leaves  have  petioles,  and 
are  alternate,  lanceolate,  almost  linear,  green,  palest  on  the 
under  side,  and  glabrous  on  both,  finely  indented,  three  to 
four  inches  in  length  by  four  to  six  lines  in  breadth,  and  some- 
what decurrent  on  the  petiole.  The  flowers  are  numerous. 


ALMONDS. 


161 


almost  sessile,  solitary,  or  sometimes  by  pairs,  of  a fine  bright 
red,  or  of  a deep  rose  colour.  The  fruit  is  small,  oval,  some- 
what rounded  ; the  skin  is  covered  with  thick  down,  and  con- 
tains an  almost  smooth  stone  ; the  kernel  or  almond  is  small, 
and  of  a bitterish  taste.  This  shrub,  though  naturally  so 
very  dwarf,  can  be  elevated  to  a standard  by  inoculation  on  a 
tall  stock  of  some  other  species.  The  present,  as  well  as 
the  preceding  species,  was  introduced  to  our  country  by  the 
author  a few  years  since. 

DWARF  DOUBLE  FLOWERING.  Pr.  cat. 

Double  dwarf  Almond. 

Amygdalus  pumila.  Lin. 

Prunus  sinensis.  Desf. 

Prunus  sinensis  pleno. 

This  most  beautiful  ornamental  shrub  attains  to  the  height 
of  two  to  two  and  half  feet,  and  is  not  surpassed  by  any  other  in 
the  profusion,  beauty,  and  brilliancy  of  its  rose-coloured  blos- 
soms, which  are  produced  in  wreaths  on  the  whole  length  of  its 
slender  branches.  It  throws  up  numerous  suckers,  by  which 
it  is  readily  increased,  and  by  being  budded  on  a high  stock 
of  some  other  species,  it  may  be  converted  into  a standard  ; 
but  its  appearance  is  much  the  most  pleasing  in  its  natural 
dwarf  state.  It  does  not  produce  any  fruit.  No  garden 
should  be  without  this  interesting  shrub. 

LARGE  DOUBLE  FLOWERING.  Pr.  gat. 

Amygdalus  communis^  pleno. 

Tliis  tree  was  introduced  to  our  country  by  the  father  of 
the  author,  about  nine  years  ago,  and  was  by  him  sent  to 
England,  and  it  is  not,  even  to  the  present  day,  to  be  met 
with  in  the  catalogues  of  the  English  nurseries.  The  growth 
is  the  strongest  and  most  vigorous  of  all  almonds  ; and  there 
are  few  peach  trees  that  surpass  or  even  equal  it  in  this  respect. 
The  blossoms  are  very  large,  of  a delicate  rose  colour,  and 
highly  ornamental,  affording  a brilliant  display  early  in  the 
Spring.  The  leaves  bear  some  affinity  to  those  of  the  bitter 

VOL.  II.  21 


162 


ALMONDS. 


almond  ; but  the  whole  appearance  of  the  tree  is  strikingly 
distinct  from  every  variety  of  the  almond  and  the  peach.  It 
is  very  hardy,  which  renders  it  still  more  valuable.  There 
are  many  other  fine  varieties  of  almonds.  Among  those  with 
sweet  fruit  are  the  following,  wdiich  are  much  cultivated  in 
Provence,  in  France  : Amande  a flots,  Balotte,  Aberame 
douce,  Farisienne,  Materonne,  Marseilles,  De  la  race,  Grosse 
verte,  Round  fruited,  Boutiere,  &ic.  ; also  the  Aberame-demi- 
amere  or  Half-bitter  almond,  which  is  cultivated  in  Provence 
for  its  fruit,  and  the  Striped  leaved,  Caucasian,  and  Silvery 
Oriental,  which  are  cultivated  in  gardens  for  ornament  only. 


FILBERTS  AND  HAZELNUTS. 


LARGE  SPANISH.  Pr.  cat. 

Barcelona  nut. 

This  variety  of  the  filbert  grows  with  exceeding  vigour, 
and  forms  a large  shrub  or  small  tree,  rising  to  the  height  of 
twelve  to  fifteen  feet  or  more.  It  is  exceedingly  productive, 
and  one  tree,  that  has  been  kept  as  a specimen  by  the  father 
of  the  author,  has  produced  half  a bushel  of  nuts  in  a single 
season.  These  nuts  are  of  the  same  kind  as  those  that  are 
imported  in  large  quantities  and  sold  in  our  markets,  being  of 
large  size  and  of  excellent  quality.  They  command  a high 
price ; and  if  some  of  our  intelligent  farmersw  ould  plant 
hedges  of  this  tree,  and  of  the  English  White-sldn  and  Red- 
skin filberts,  they  would  find  themselves,  greatly  remunerated 
by  the  produce. 


FILBERTS  AND  HAZELNUTS. 


163 


FRIZZLED.  Pk.  cat.  Pom.  mag. 

Frizzled  nut. 

The  following  description  is  extracted  from  the  Pomological 
Magazine  : 

“ Of  all  the  nut  tribe,  this  is  among  those  most  deserv- 
ing cultivation,  wheiher  we  consider  its  hardiness,  beauty 
when  in  the  husk,  or  abundant  produce.  In  flavour  it  is  not 
materially  diflerent  from  the  White  filbert.  It  originated  in  a 
garden  at  Hoveton,  near  Norwich,  where  it  is  well  known  for 
its  annual  crops,  when  all  the  bushes  near  it  are  almost  desti- 
tute of  fruit.  It  has  been,  within  a few  years,  extensively 
disseminated,  and  is  now  far  from  uncommon.  Its  name  is 
derived  from  the  singular  appearance  of  the  husk  or  involu- 
crum.  The  branches  are  spreading ; the  clusters  of  fruit 
usually  in  threes  or  fives,  sometimes  more ; the  involucrum 
much  and  deeply  divided,  spreading  open  at  the  mouth,  large, 
extending  twice  the  length  of  the  nut;  the  nut  rather  small, 
oblong,  and  flattened  ; shell  of  moderate  thickness,  filled  with 
the  kernel,  which  is  of  good  flavour  ; ripens  rather  late.” 

COSFORD  NUT,  Pom.  Mag.  Lond.  iiort.  cat. 

In  regard  to  this  variety  the  Pomological  Manual  makes 
the  following  remarks : 

“ It  highly  deserves  cultivation,  being  a great  bearer,  and 
having  a remarkably  thin  shell,  both  of  which  qualities  entitle 
it  to  attention.  The  tree  grows  vigorously,  and  the  branches 
upright ; the  involucrum  is  nearly  the  length  of  the  nut, 
slightly  hispid  at  the  base.  When  the  nut  is  ripe,  which  hap- 
pens early,  the  involucrum  expands,  but  is  not  reflexed  ; its 
segments  arc  deeply  divided.  The  nut  is  large,  oblong, 
cylindrical  at  the  base,  rather  broader  and  slightly  compressed 
towards  the  apex,  with  stripes  of  dark  and  light  brown,  of 
which  the  former  arc  the  narrower ; the  shell  thin,  and  break- 
ing easily  ; kernel  white,  filling  the  shell,  sweet,  and  of  excel- 
lent flavour. 


164 


RASPBERRIES. 


There  are  many  other  fine  varieties  of  this  fruit ; among 
these  are  the  Red-skin,  White-skin,  and  Prolific  filberts,  which 
are  very  extensively  cultivated  in  England,  and  highly  esteem- 
ed ; also  the  Clustered  filbert,  the  Tubulose  or  Lambert’s  nut, 
the  Constantinople  nut,  which  forms  a large  tree,  and  several 
others  of  less  note,  or  more  recently  brought  into  notice. 

Of  the  hazelnut  there  are  several  species,  producing  excel- 
lent fruit ; but  as  the  nuts  are  of  much  less  size  than  the  filbert, 
they  are  but  little  cultivated.  The  best  are  the  Common 
hazelnut,  the  Cuckold  nut,  and  the  English  hazelnut. 


RASPBERRIES. 


RED  ANTWERP.  Pr.  cat.  Po?i.  mag.  Load.  hort.  cat. 

Large  Red  Antwerp.  For. 

This  variety  is  held  in  the  highest  esteem,  and  is  much 
cultivated  in  the  gardens  of  select  fruits  in  this  vicinit}',  and 
in  many  other  parts  of  our  country.  In  frequent  instances, 
however,  varieties  altogether  difierent  and  very  inferior  are 
called  by  the  title  belonging  to  this,  a circumstance  that  leads 
to  incorrect  impressions,  and  to  disappointments.  In  Europe 
it  is  much  cultivated  for  the  market,  and  is  deemed  one  of 
the  most  profitable  by  the  growers,  on  account  of  its  abun- 
dant produce,  its  early  ripening,  and  its  bearing  carriage  well. 
As  yet,  but  small  quantities  have  found  their  way  to  the  public 
markets  of  our  own  country;  and  it  is  a matter  of  surprise,  that 
none  of  our  intelligent  cultivators  have  formed  plantations  of 
so  excellent  a fruit,  as  it  could  not  fail  to  readily  command  a 
much  higher  price  than  the  kinds  they  at  present  cultivate  for 
the  market. 


HASPBERRIES. 


165 


• The  Pomological  Magazine  gives  the  following  very  correct 
description  of  this  valuable  variety  : “ Canes  strong  and  long, 
yellowish  green,  slightly  glaucous,  occasionally  tinged  with 
purple,  covered  below  with  dark  brown  bristles,  which  de- 
crease in  quantity  upwards  : early  in  the  autumn  the  canes 
change  colour  and  become  entirely  brown  sooner  than  those 
of  most  others  ; bearing  wood  vigorous  and  nearly  smooth  ; 
leaves  large,  slightly  rugose,  plaited,  irregularly  serrated, 
dark  green  ; clusters  large ; fruit  large,  conical,  dull  red ; 
grains  middle-sized  ; flavour  rich  and  sweet.” 

“ In  situations  where  the  plants  grow  with  much  vigour,  a 
crop  is  sometimes  produced  in  the  autumn  on  the  shoots  of 
the  year  ; this  is  however  at  all  times  but  a scanty  one,  and 
too  small  to  entitle  the  kind  to  the  name  of  a double  bearing 
variety,” 

YELLOW  ANTWERP.  Pr.  cat.  Lond.  Host.  cat. 

White  Antwerp,  Large  Yellow  Antwerp.  For. 

This  fruit  is  of  large  size,  and  of  the  same  form  as  the  red 
variety.  It  is  in  high  repute  for  its  excellence  and  delicate 
flavour,  and  merits  general  cultivation.  The  canes  differ  from 
the  preceding,  in  being  of  a much  lighter  colour,  and  the 
bristles  or  spines  on  the  young  shoots  are  of  a similar  hue. 

BARNET.  Pr.  cat.  Pom.  mag.  Lond.  hort.  cat. 

Cornwall’s  Prolific.  Cornwall’s  Seedling. 

This  variety,  which  bears  a considerable  resemblance  to  the 
Red  Antwerp,  is  distinguished  from  it  by  its  canes  being  much 
inclined  to  branch,  and  the  prickles  being  long,  slender,  and 
reddish.  It  is  very  productive,  and  one  of  the  earliest  in 
ripening,  but  from  its  not  bearing  carriage  well,  it  is  not  culti- 
vated even  in  Europe  for  the  supply  of  the  markets  ; its  excel- 
lence however,  renders  it  one  of  the  most  desirable  for  family 
gardens.  This  superior  variety  is  said  to  have  been  raised 
from  seed  by  a person  named  Cornwall,  at  Barnet  in  Hert- 
fordshire, England,  from  which  circumstance  it  has  obtained 


166 


RASPBERRIES. 


its  different  titles.  The  London  Pomological  Magazine 
describes  it  thus : 

“ Canes  long,  yellowish  green,  frequently  tinged  with  purple, 
and  branching  towards  the  ground  ; they  are  thickh'^  covered 
with  slender  bristles,  which  become  stronger  towards  the  upper 
extremity,  and  assume  a dull  brown  colour  early  in  the  autumn; 
bearing  wood  strong  and  nearly  smooth  ; leaves  large,  rugose, 
slightly  plaited,  and  irregularly  serrated  ; clusters  large  ; fruit 
of  a greater  size  than  in  any  variety  except  the  Red  Antwerp, 
globular,  inclining  to  conical,  of  a bright  deep  transparent 
purplish  red  ; grains  large  ; flavour  extremely  rich  and  plea- 
sant, without  much  acidity.” 

In  some  seasons  this  variety  produces  a second  crop  of  fruit, 
which  ripens  in  August. 

COMMON  RED.  Pr.  cat. 

Rubus  americanus.  Pr.  Cat.  English  Red. 

This  variety  is  a native  of  our  state,  and  grows  naturally  in 
the  Catskill  mountains,  but  notwithstanding  this  fact^  it  is 
very  frequently  denominated  English  Red.  The  shoots  are 
of  a dark  red  hue,  and  grow'  to  a great  length,  often  attaining 
to  ten  or  twelve  feet,  and  even  more.  On  the  shoots  of  the 
same  year  the  spines  at  and  near  the  base  are  of  a purplish 
colour,  and  those  on  the  upper  part,  greenish  with  brown  or 
purplish  barbs  or  points.  The  fruit  is  one  of  the  earliest  at 
maturity,  of  medium  size,  fine  flavouiv  and  held  in  great  esti- 
mation, as  well  for  the  dessert  as  for  making  cherry  brandy,  Sec. 
Indeed  this  is  the  only  variety  at  present  cultivated  to  a great 
extent  for  the  supply  of  the  New-York  market,  and  there  are 
probably  near  one  hundred  acres  of  land  on  Long  Island 
appropriated  to  its  culture.  The  plants  do  not  throw  up 
suckers  during  the  summer  season  as  most  other  varieties  do, 
but  in  the  spring,  young  plants  shoot  up  in  great  numbers,  from 
the  small  roots  on  all  sides  of  the  main  stock.  The  American 
Black  raspberry,  or  Black-cap,  as  it  is  commonly  denominated, 
forms  long  shoots  in  the  same  manner  as  the  foregoing;  but 


RASPBERRIES. 


167 


has  much  stronger  spines,  and  is  altogether  a more  rustic  plant; 
the  fruit  is  of  peculiar  flavour,  and  esteemed  by  man}^  persons.  . 
The  American  White,  resembles  the  black  in  the  growth  of  the 
plant  and  in  the  form  of  the  fruit,  but  the  latter  as  well  as  the 
canes  are  of  a pale  yellow  or  straw  colour. 

BRENTFORD  RED.  Pr.  cat. 

The  fruit  of  this  variety  is  of  excellent  quality,  and  possesses 
a high  flavour,  when  at  full  maturity ; it  is  of  a rather  oval 
form,  of  good  size,  and  dark  red  colour.  The  plants  are  pro- 
ductive, and  the  berries  ripen  in  continuation  for  a considera- 
ble period.  The  canes  are  set  with  purplish  spines;  those  on 
the  new  shoots  when  they  first  come  out  of  the  ground,  are  of 
a reddish  colour,  but  they  afterwards  attain  a purplish  hue. 
(In  all  the  descriptions  I have  given  of  the  canes,  colour  of 
spines,  &-c.  of  the  different  varieties,  I refer  to  the  shoots  of 
the  same  year,  and  to  their  appearance  during  the  summer 
season.)  This  variety  often  produces  a second  crop  in  Au- 
gust. 

VIRGINIA  RED.  Pr.  cat. 

Rtihus  strigosus.  Pursh.  Rubus  coccineiis. 

. The  fruit  of  this  species  is  round,  or  a little  inclining  to  an 
oval  form,  of  larger  size  than  the  Common  Red,  and  of  good 
flavour.  The  canes  rise  to  the  height  of  four  or  five  feet  or 
more,  and  in  favourable  locations  produce  good  crops. 

PENNSYLVANIAN.  Pr.  cat. 

Rubus  'pennsylvanicus. 

The  canes  of  this  variety  are  of  peculiar  appearance,  and 
the  young  shoots  are  set  with  red  hairs,  which  extend  from  the 
base  to  the  extremity.  The  fruit  is  of  a very  dark  red  colour 
when  at  maturity,  its  form  rather  oval,  and  its  flavour  indif- 
ferent. The  plants  are  very  productive,  the  berries  are  pro- 
duced in  numerous  clusters,  and  ripen  in  succession.  An  after 
crop  is  frequently  produced  even  as  late  as  the  month  of 


168 


RASPBERRIES. 


October.  1 obtained  this  variety  from  a London  nursery, 
under  the  title  of  Rubus  pennsylvanicus,  but  have  since  found 
it  to  be  identical  with  plants  received  from  the  forests  of  the 
State  of  Maine. 

CANADA  RED.  Pr.  cat. 

Ruhus  canadensis,  Pr.  Cat. 

This  fruit  is  of  medium  size,  being  about  as  large  as  the 
Common  Red,  to  which  in  point  of  quality  it  assimilates  more 
nearly  than  to  any  other.  It  possesses  a high  and  rather 
peculiar  flavour.  The  canes  are  very  thickly  set  with  brown- 
ish spines,  which  extend  from  their  base  to  the  extremities.  I 
first  noticed  this  variety  growing  along  the  road  sides,  a few 
miles  from  Montreal,  where  the  plants  are  to  be  met  with  in  great 
abundance.  The  fruit  is  collected  from  them  by  the  country 
people,  and  large  quantities  sold  in  the  markets. 

TALL  RED  CANE.  Pr.  cat. 

This  variety  produces  good  crops  ; the  fruit  is  of  a round 
form,  of  good  size  and  quality,  but  not  of  a high  flavour ; the 
berries  detach  themselves  so  easily  from  the  hull  when  fully 
ripe,  that  if  not  gathered  in  time,  very  many  of  them  fall  to 
the  ground.  The  canes  are  covered  at  the  base  and  the  ex- 
tremities with  numerous  fine  spines  or  hairs,  but  these  are 
much  more  sparsely  set  on  the  intermediate  portion  of  the 
shoots. 

SHORT- JOINTED  CANE.  Pr.  cat. 

The  canes  of  this  variety  are  almost  spineless,  and  are  pe- 
culiar on  that  account,  as  well  as  for  the  closeness  of  the  joints. 
There  are  a few  small  spines  on  the  peduncles  and  on  the  mid- 
rib of  each  leaf.  The  fruit  is  of  a pleasant  taste,  rather  larger 
than  the  Common  Red,  but  not  quite  equal  in  size  to  the  kind 
last  described,  though  it  is  superior  to  it  in  flavour.  The  ber- 
ries part  very  easily  from  the  hull  when  they  have  attained 
their  full  maturity.  This  and  the  preceding  variety  are  later 
in  ripening  than  the  Common  Red,  and  produce  good  crops. 


RASPBERRIES. 


169 


CRETAN  RED.  Pb.  cat. 

Ruhus  creticus. 

This  variety,  the  Alpine,  and  the  Flesh-colored  raspberries 
are  of  quite  recent  introduction  to  our  country,  and  appear 
to  belong  to  the  same  species.  The  plants  are  readily  distin- 
guishable from  other  varieties  ; they,  however,  bear  much 
affinity  to  the  Antwerp  class  in  their  foliage,  but  their  canes 
have  a much  less  number  of  spines.  The  fruit  is  of  good 
size,  and  of  a very  high  and  peculiar  flavour : it  is  produced 
during  several  successive  months,  usually  ripening  from  June 
to  September.  I obtained  the  three  varieties  above  referred 
to  from  the  Mediterranean. 

PROLIFIC  RED.  Pr.  cat. 

This  variety  is  of  more  dwarf  stature  than  most  others;  the 
canes  are  slender,  and  set  with  small  spines,  which  are  rather 
numerous,  even  at  their  extremities.  The  fruit  is  of  good 
size  and  quality,  and  a second  crop  is  usually  produced  in  the 
month  of  August. 

There  are  many  other  valuable  varieties  that  merit  culture, 
among  which  are  the  Double  bearing  Red,  Double  bearing 
Yellow,  Old  English  Red,  Old  English  Yellow,  Brentford 
Cane,  Twice  bearing,  &:c.  The  Canada  Purple  flowering, 
the  Large  White  flowering,  and  the  Rubus  spectabilis,  are 
cultivated  for  their  flowers  only,  their  fruit  being  of  little  or 
no  value. 


VOL.  II. 


22 


STRAWBERRIES. 


KEENS’  SEEDLING.  Pb.  cat.  Pom.  mag.  Loxd.  hort.  trails.. 


Keens^  Xew  Pine, 
Keens’  Black  Pine, 


of  some  collections. 


This  variety  was  raised  from  the  seed  of  Keens’  Imperial, 
thus  aflbrding  a proof  that  like  produces  like  in  the  vegetable 
kingdom,  and  that  the  seeds  of  a fine  variety  will  most  proba- 
bly produce  fine  varieties ; but  my  own  opinion  in  relation  to 
this  point  is  that  one  parent  at  least  should  be  of  such  character. 

The  great  merits  of  this  strawberry  are,  that  the  fruit  is  very 
large,  very  good,  and  that  it  is  a very  prolific  bearer  ; it  aho 
carries  well,  and  bears  its  fruit  high  enough  above  the  earth 
to  keep  it  free  from  the  soil,  and  it  is  one  of  the  most  vigorous 
varieties.  Its  leaves  are  broad  and  dark  green,  and  the  heal- 
thiness of  its  appearance  is  scarcely  equalled  by  any  of  its 
class,  except  the  OM  Pine,  and  if  this  be  inferior  to  that  in 
flavour,  it  is  much  more  than  equal  to  it  in  size  and  produc- 
tiveness. The  following  description  of  it  is  given  in  the  London 
Horticultural  Society’s  Transactions: 

“ A most  excellent  bearer,  ripening  early,  soon  after  the 
Scarlets,  and  before  any  other  of  the  Pines  ; the  fruit  is  very 
large,  round  or  ovate,  some  of  the  largest  assuming  a cocks- 
comb shape  ; when  ripe  of  a very  dark  purplish  scarlet  next 
the  sun,  the  other  side  paler,  slightly  hairy ; seeds  (grains)  a 
little  embedded  in  the  polished  surface  of  the  fruit,  which  has' 
usually  a furrow  at  the  apex;  the  flesh  is  firm,  solid,  scarlet, 
without  any  separable  core,  tolerably  high  flavoured  ; calyx  is 
of  moderate  size,  hairy,  incurved  ; the  footstalks  of  the  leaves 
are  tall,  slightly  hairy ; the  leaflets  very  large,  roundish,  for 
the  most  part  flat,  reclined,  of  a very  smooth  shining  dark 


STRAWBERRIES. 


171 


green,  with  coarse  serratures,  which  are  large  and  rounded  ; 
the  runners  are  small,  numerous,  greenish  yellow,  and  slightly 
hairy;  the  scapes  are  of  moderate  length,  sometimes  very 
short,  branched,  with  short  weak  clustered  peduncles  middle- 
sized,  opening  early.” 

BLACK  HAUTBOIS.  Pr.  cat.  Lond.  Hort.  cat.  Lund. 

New  Hautbois. 

The  appearance  of  this  plant  is  much  the  same  as  the  other 
varieties  of  its  class  ; its  growth  is  quite  strong,  and  indicative 
of  health  and  vigour  ; the  fruit  is  oblong  and  pointed  some- 
what obtusely  ; it  is  a profuse  bearer,  and  one  of  the  best  of 
its  class  for  a market  fruit. 

KNIGHT’S  NARROW  LEAVED  SCARLET.  Pr.  cat. 

Knight’s  No.  14. 

The  fruit  of  this  variety  greatly  resembles  the  old  Pineapple 
strawberry,  in  flavour,  form,  and  manner  of  growth,  and  the 
plants  also  assimilate  in  their  proportionate  produce ; the  ber- 
ries are  rather  compressed  or  flattened,  and  are  rounded  at 
the  extremity ; they  generally  trail  near  the  earth,  and  may, 
in  point  of  flavour  and  excellence,  be  ranked  among  the  best. 

PROLIFIC  HAUTBOIS.  Pr.  cat.  Pom.  mag. 

Prolific,  or  Conical  Hautbois.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

Double  Bearing.  Hermaphrodite.  Spring  Grove. 

The  following  remarks  relative  to  this  exceedingly  valuable 
variety  are  contained  in  the  Pomological  Magazine,  and  I 
find  them  to  agree  precisely  with  my  own  views,  and  with  my 
own  notes  made  on  the  same  subject : 

“It  is  a common  observation  that  good  Hautbois  strawber- 
ries are  nearly  lost.  This  position  is  not  correct.  The  Haut- 
bois, which  has  male  flowers  on  one  plant  and  female  on 
another,  is  frequently  found  in  our  gardens,  and  as  the  sterile 
plants  of  it  are  more  vigorous  than  the  fertile  ones,  the  unpro- 


172 


STRAWBERRIES. 


ductive  runners  become  in  time  more  numerous,  and  gain  the 
ascendency,  and  then  the  whole  are  considered  as  being  de- 
teriorated. This  variety  having  perfect  stamens  in  all  its 
flowers,  is  consequently  not  liable  to  the  inconvenience  above 
mentioned,  and  it  is. very  productive  of  fruit.  It  frequently  in 
good  seasons  yields  a second  crop  in  autumn,  the  berries  of 
which  are  much  larger  than  those  of  its  regular  produce,  but 
they  are  not  very  numerous.  It  is  the  best  Hautbois  we  possess, 
and  was  first  described  under  the  name  of  Prolific  or  Conical 
Hautbois,  being  distinguished,  by  the  latter  appellation,  from 
the  Flat  Hautbois,  which  is  also  very  prolific.  It  may  be 
cultivated  in  good  garden  soil,  in  an  open  situation,  and  will 
continue  to  produce  well  for  many  years,  even  if  not  removed. 
Leaves  light  green;  footstalks  long,  hairy;  leaflets  middle 
sized,  oblong,  with  coarse  serratures ; hairy.  Scapes  long, 
raising  the  flowers  above  the  leaves,  with  branched  peduncles; 
calyx  small,  reflexed ; petals  broad,  at  first  imbricated,  after- 
wards folded  together ; stamens  strong,  higher  than  the  stig- 
mas, remaining  after  the  fruit  ripens  ; anthers  perfect.  Fruit 
large,  conical,  dark  dull  purple,  grains  slightly  imbedded  ; 
flesh  solid,  greenish,  high  flavoured,  and  musk\\” 

SWEET  CONE.  Pom.  Mag.  Loxd.  Host,  traxs. 

This  variety  was  raised  by  Mr.  Knight  in  1817,  from  a seed 
of  the  Old  Pine,  impregnated  by  the  Old  Black,  thus  com- 
bining the  qualities  of  the  two  best  flavoured  varieties  then 
existing  in  the  English  gardens.  Its  greatest  affinity  is  to  the 
male  parent,  and  it  has  consequently  been  placed  b}'  the  Lon- 
don Horticultural  Society*  in  the  class  of  Black  Strawberries. 
It  is  a moderate  bearer,  but  produces  fruit  more  abundantly 
in  a shaded  and  moist  situation  than  when  exposed  to  much 
sun.  It  is  hardier  than  the  Old  Black  variety,  and  the  plants 
grow  bushy  and  produce  few  runners.  This  deficiency  is 
however  frequently  supplied  by  the  first  scapes  forming  young 
plants,  which  when  put  into  the  ground  emit  roots.  The 
leaves  are  yellowish  green,  footstalks  erect  and  slightly  hairy ; 


STRAWBERRIES. 


173 


leaflets  small,  oval,  coarsely  serrated,  convex,  their  upper  sur- 
face very  slightly  hairy,  scapes  as  long  as  the  leaf  stalk,  up- 
right, partially  pubescent,  with  short  pedicles;  calyx  large, 
reflexed  ; petals  rather  large,  obovate ; stamens  of  moderate 
length,  with  perfect  anthers ; fruit  of  good  size,  with  a neck, 
a lengthened  cone  in  shape,  bright  shining  scarlet;  grains 
prominent ; flesh  firm,  red,  very  rich  and  high  flavoured. 

ROSEBERRY.  Pr.  gat.  Lond.  hort.  cat.  Lund. 

Rose  Strawberry.  Scotch  Scarlet. 

This  is  a very  high  flavoured  and  productive  variety  ; the 
fruit  has  a neck  and  separates  readily  from  the  hull;  its  form 
is  oblong  and  pointed ; the  plant  is  not  of  tall  growth,  and  the 
berries  are  of  medium  size.  It  is  very  extensively  cultivated 
near  London,  for  the  supply  of  the  markets  of  that  city,  and 
is  also  deemed  one  of  the  best  for  forcing  during  the  winter, 

OLD  PINE,  OR  CAROLINA.  Pr.  cat.  Pom.  Mag. 

Lond.  iiort.  cat.  Lind. 

This  strawberry,  although  but  a tolerable  bearer,  has  been 
long  held  in  estimation  ; and  a fact 'which  goes  to  prove  its 
extensive  dissemination  in  Europe,  is,  that  there  are  twenty- 
one  synonymous  titles  quoted  for  it  in  the  catalogue  of  the 
London  Horticultural  Society.  It  is  claimed  in  the  Pomolo- 
gical  Magazine  to  be  of  British  origin,  and  mention  is  there 
made  that  it  is  not  found  in  the  gardens  of  France,  being  dis- 
tinct from  the  Frasier  Ananas  of  the  French  writers.  The 
following  description  I extract  from  the  same  publication  : 

“ Its  merit  and  value  are  universally  admitted,  and  amidst 
the  diversity  of  opinions  which  must  exist  as  to  which  is  the 
best  strawberry  known,  there  can  be  no  doubt  that  this  will 
always  receive  the  greatest  number  of  suflrages  to  its  supe- 
riority. In  many  situations  it  bears  abundantly,  in  most  well, 
and  continues  to  produce  on  old  beds  for  several  years.  It 
forces  well  under  strong  heat.  Leaves  very  deep  green  ; foot- 
stalks long  and  upright;  leaflets  small,  roundish,  with  rounded 


174 


STRAWBERRIES. 


serratures,  upper  surface  nearly  smooth ; scapes  shorter  than 
the  footstalks,  upright,  still',  with  long  branching  peduncles ; 
calyx  large,  spreading  ; petals  large,  much  imbricated  ; sta- 
mens moderately  long  ; anthers  perfect ; fruit  large,  ovate- 
conical,  sometimes  cockscombed,  of  a rich  bright  scarlet ; 
grains  slightly  imbedded  ; flesh  pale  scarlet,  rich  and  juicy, 
with  a very  grateful  flavour.” 

FRENCH  MUSK  HAUTBOIS.  Pr.  cat. 

This  fruit  is  more  round  or  globular  than  most  of  the  other 
Hautbois  varieties  I have  seen ; it  is  very  dark  when  fully  ripe, 
being  of  a blackish  purple  colour.  The  plants  are  exceedingly 
productive,  and  yield  some  fruit  after  the  regular  crop  is  past, 
and  flowers  may  even  be  here  and  there  seen,  when  the  main 
crop  is  at  perfect  maturity.  The  flavour  is  high  and  musky, 
and  the  fruit  is  much  esteemed  by  those  who  are  partial  to  this 
class  of  strawberries. 

DOWNTON.  Pr.  cat.  Pom.  mag.  Loxd.  hort.  cat. 

This  strawberry  comes  into  bearing  about  eight  or  ten  days 
later  than  the  other  varieties  most  cultivated,  and  is  particularly 
valuable  on  that  account.  The  plants  are  distinguishable  by 
their  foliage,  which  is  of  a pale  green  hue.  This  is  a tolerably 
productive  sort,  and  the  fruit  when  fully  ripened  is  of  excellent 
quality,  possessing  a highly  aromatic  flavour.  Some  of  the 
berries  are  cockscomb  shaped,  but  the  greater  part  are  ovate, 
and  have  a neck.  The  preserves  and  jam  made  from  this  kind 
are  excellent.  For  the  acquisition  of  this  variety,  the  world  is 
indebted  to  Mr.  Knight,  who  originated  it  from  seeds  of  a large 
Scarlet  strawberry,  at  present  little  valued,  after  having  im- 
pregnated it  with  the  Old  Black.  Its  male  parent,  although 
of  a superior  flavour,  is  very  little  cultivated,  as  it  seldom 
flourishes  or  produces  well.  The  Pomological  Magazine 
describes  the  Downton  strawberry  thus  : “ Leaves  pale  green, 
footstalks  very  long  ; leaflets  of  thin  texture,  moderate  size, 
with  large  coarse  serratures ; scapes  very  long,  stiff,  and 


strawberries. 


175 


upright,  with  short  crowded  peduncles ; calyx  large,  greatly 
incurved,  sometimes  spreading,  or  slightly  reflexed  ; petals 
oval,  tapering  to  the  claw;  stamens  moderately  long  ; anthers 
perfect.  Fruit  rather  large  ; when  fully  ripe,  a dark  purplish 
scarlet ; grains  but  little  imbedded  ; flesh  scarlet.  Arm. 

SOUTHBOROUGH  SEEDLING.  Pr.  cat. 

The  fruit  of  this  variety  is  of  the  very  largest  size,  and  it 
ripens  gradually,  some  portion  being  much  later  than  others. 
The  growth  is  remarkably  upright,  and  of  the  most  vigorous 
character  ; the  leaves  are  very  large,  supported  on  long  and 
strong  petioles ; the  fruit  stems  are  also  very  large  and  strong, 
elevating  the  berries  much  more  than  is  usually  the  case,  which 
from  these  causes  seldom  or  never  touch  the  earth.  In  point 
of  shape  the  fruit  resembles  the  Hudson,  but  is  of  larger  size. 

GROVE.END  SCARLET.  Pr.  cat.  Pom.  mag.  Lixd. 

Atldnson’s  Scarlet,  Wilmot’s  Early  Scarlet.  Early  Scarlet. 

This  valuable  strawberry  I have  had  under  cultivation  for 
several  years,  and  find  it  to  realize  all  my  anticipations.  It 
does  not  attain  a size  equal  to  many  of  the  other  varieties,  but 
in  abundant  produce  it  can  scarcely  be  exceeded.  It  has  sup- 
plied the  market  of  London  with  forced  fruit  for  several  years 
past,  under  the  name  of  Early  Scarlet.  The  following  de- 
scriptive remarks  are  extracted  from  the  Pomological  Maga- 
zine : 

“ This  excellent  variety  was  raised  from  seed,  in  the  garden 
of  William  Atkinson,  Esq.  at  Grove-End,  near  Paddington, 
in  1820,  and  was  exhibited  to  the  London  Horticultural  So- 
ciety in  1822.  It  is  now  to  be  found  in  most  gardens  where 
choice  fruit  is  cultivated.” 

As  a variety  of  the  class  of  Scarlet  strawberries,  it  possesses 
peculiar  merit ; it  is  a most  productive  bearer ; the  fruit 
is  supported  stiffly  above  the  earth  ; it  forces  as  wtH  as, 
if  not  better  than,  any  other  sort ; bears  carriage  securely  ; 
is  remarkably  handsome,  and  though  slightly  acid,  is  very 


176 


STRAWBERRIES. 


well  flavoured.  Footstalks  long  and  nearly  smooth  ; leaflets 
small,  oblong,  very  deeply  and  sharply  serrated,  of  a light 
clear  green  colour,  and  slightly  hairy  on  the  upper  side  ; 
scapes  shorter  than  the  footstalks,  peduncles  long,  elevating 
the  fruit  clear  of  the  leaves ; calyx  large  and  reflexed  ; petals 
unusually  large,  with  a marked  tendency  to  exceed  the  usual 
number  five,  having  frequent^  eight  or  nine ; filaments  strong ; 
anthers  perfect;  fruit  large  for  a Scarlet  strawberry,  of  a flat- 
tened spherical  figure,  and  a bright  vermilion  colour ; grains 
deeply  sunken,  with  the  intervals  between  them  flattened;  flesh 
pale  red,  and  firm.  This  is  a genuine  variety  of  our  native 
Scarlet  strawberry,  Fragaria  virginica,  and  nearly  approaches 
it  in  foliage,  &cc. 

NAIRN’S  SCARLET.  Pr.  cat.  Loxd.  hort.  cat.  Lixd. 

This  strawberry,  judging  by  the  foliage,  is  evidently  of  the 
same  class  as  the  old  Hudson  variety  ; the  fruit  is  also  about 
the  same  size,  but  much  less  pointed  ; and  although  this  kind 
bears  well,  it  does  not  equal  that  variety  in  abundance. 

KEEN’S  IMPERIAL.  Pr.  cat.  Loxd.  hort.  tra:xs. 

Keens'  Black.  Keens'  Black  Pine. 

The  fruit  of  this  plant  is  large  and  rounded  at  the  extremity, 
but  with  somewhat  of  a point.  Its  growth  and  general  ap- 
pearance denote  its  alliance  to  the  Pineapple  class  of  straw- 
berries. It  was  originated  by  jMichael  Keens,  an  intelligent 
cultivator  of  fruits,  living  near  London. 

BLACK  ROSEBERRY.  Pom.  mag.  Loxd.  hort.  cat. 

The  present  variety  is  figured  in  the  Pomological  Maga- 
zine, whence  I extract  the  following  description : 

“ This  is  a singular  fruit  in  its  appearance,  and  peculiar  in 
its  character  and  flavour.  It  was  obtained  by  the  London 
Horticultural  Society  from  the  garden  of  John  Williams,  Esq. 
of  Pitmaston,  under  the  name  of  Black  round-fruited  Rose- 
berry,  having  been  raised  from  the  Common  Roseberry,  im- 
pregnated by  the  pollen  of  the  Early  Pitmaston  Black,  from 


STRAWBERRIES. 


177 


which  it  derives  the  remarkable  dark  colour  of  its  skin.  It 
may  be  cultivated  in  -any  good  garden  exposed  to  the  sun, 
and  is  a tolerable  bearer,  ripening  about  the  middle  of  the 
season  of  the  Scarlets,  to  which  class  it  belongs.  Leaves 
dark  green  ; footstalks  of  moderate  length,  slightl}^  hairy  ; 
leaflets  middle-sized,  roundish,  with  obtuse  and  wide  serra- 
tures,  the  upper  surface  hairy;  scapes  short,  with  long  and 
numerous  spreading  peduncles  ; calyx  small,  incurved  ; petals 
roundish,  small,  somewhat  tinged  with  pink  ; stamens  of  mid- 
dling length ; anthers  perfect;  fruit  of  good  size,  bluntly  coni- 
cal, dark  purplish  red  and  shining  ; grains  slightly  sunken, 
with  the  intervals  between  them  flattened ; flesh  dark  red  next 
the  outside,  solid,  buttery,  and  juicy,  with  a very  excellent 
flavour,  differing  much  from  other  strawberries.” 

LONG  CONICAL  WOOD.  Pr.  cat. 

Raspberry  jlavoured. 

This  variety  I raised  about  three  years  since,  from  seeds 
received  from  Paris,  under  the  title -of  Raspberry  Jlavoured 
straivberry ; it  differs  from  the  other  kinds  in  my  collection, 
the  fruit  being  of  a very  long  conical  form.  It  produces  Well, 
and  I have  noticed  that  some  of  the  plants  have  blossoms  on 
them  when  the  main  crop  is  fully  ripe. 

NEW  HUDSON.  Pr.  cat. 

This  strawberry  was  raised  from  seed  about  eight  years 
since,  in  a garden  near  New-York.  The  fruit  is  large,  being 
about  the  same  size  as  the  old  Hudson,  from  which  it  probably 
originate  J,  but  it  is  more  rounded  and  less  pointed  at  the  ex- 
tremity ; the  fruit  stems  are  also  more  upright,  and  seldom  fall 
down  and  settle  near  the  earth,  as  is  often  the  case  with  that 
variety : on  the  other  hand,  it  is  not  so  great  a bearer,  and 
consequently  less  valuable. 

LARGE  EARLY  SCARLET.  Pr.  cat. 

The  fruit  of  this  variety  is  quite  large,  being  of  the  size  and 
form  of  the  Hudson,  from  the  seed  of  which  it  is  supposed  to 

VOL.  II.  23 


178 


STRAWBEimiES. 


have  originated  in  a garden  of  this  vicinity.  The  great  ad- 
vantage it  claims  over  its  parent,  which  is  one  of  the  largest, 
finest,  and  most  productive  market  strawberries,  is  that  it 
ripens  a week  to  ten  days  earlier  than  that  variety — a circum- 
stance of  great  import  in  regard  to  the  value  of  a fruit  at 
market.  It  is  of  high  flavour,  and  of  a paler  and  brighter 
red  colour  than  the  Hudson,  and  is  a most  prolific  and  regular 
bearer  ; in  fact,  since  its  introduction  to  notice  it  has  become 
a general  favorite,  and  no  one  thinks  of  having  a good  collec- 
tion without  this  to  commence  the  season. 

LARGE  SCARLET  LIMA.  Pr.  cat. 

This  variety  is  of  a very  vigorous  growth,  with  large  leaves, 
and  strong  stalks  and  stems  ; the  fruit  is  very  distinct  in  its 
character,  and  has  commonly  a long  neck ; its  form  is  oblong, 
somewhat  flattened  on  two  sides,  and  terminating  in  an  obtuse 
point.  I have  noticed  that  the  berries  are  generally  formed 
on  the  first  blossoms  towards  the  base  of  the  peduncle.  It  is 
a tolerably  good  bearer,  and  repays  any  deficiencies  by  its 
large  fruit  of  most  excellent  flavour.  This  variety  is  not 
described  in  any  European  publication  that  I have  met  with  ; 
and  I have  been  informed  that  it  was  originally  brought  from 
South  America  to  Rhode  Island,  and  it  was  there  that  I acci- 
dentally found  it,  under  the  name  of  Lima  strawberry,  and 
obtained  plants  for  propagation.  The  garden  in  which  I first 
noticed  it  was  that  of  Captain  Jacob  Smith,  of  Newport,  the 
same  gentleman  who  plucked  scions  from  the  willow  which 
droops  over  the  tomb  of  Napoleon,  at  St.  Helena,  and  to 
whose  politeness  I am  indebted  for  a portion  of  them,  which 
have  now  become  flourishing  trees,  nearly  twenty  feet  in  height 

AUSTRIAN  SCARLET.  Pii.  cat.  Lind. 

Dtike  of  Kent's  Scarlet.  Lond.  Hort.  cat.  Pr.  cat.  26  ed. 

Globe  Scarlet,  Cluster  Scarlet,  ^ 

Nova  Scotia  Scarlet,  Prolific  Scarlet,  f of  English  cat- 

Duke  of  York's  Scarlet,  Oatland's  Scarlet,  t alogues,  &c. 

Early  Prolific  Scarlet,  j 

This  variety  is  said  by  Mr.  Lindley  to  have  been  introduced 


STRAWBERRIES. 


179 


to  England  from  Germany  in  1798,  and  also  from  Nova  Sco- 
tia in  1802.  The  fruit  is  nearly  of  a globular  form,  of  a 
moderate  or  a medium  size  and  of  a rich  bright  scarlet  colour  ; 
the  seeds  are  deeply  embedded,  with  sharp  ridged  intervals  ; 
the  flesh  solid,  pale  scarlet ; the  flavour  peculiar,  sharp  and 
pleasant.  This  is  one  of  the  very  earliest  varieties,  and  a 
most  profuse  bearer.  The  runners  are  produced  very  early, 
they  are  numerous,  small,  and  of  a reddish  coloitr. 

ENGLISH  RED  WOOD.  Pr.  cat. 

Fraisier  des  hois,  Caperon  ? Montreuil  ? of  the  French  gardens. 

Fra  gar  ia  vesca.  Lin. 

This  species  is  a native  of  Europe,  and  has  been  long  an 
inhabitant  of  our  gardens,  where  in  former  years  it  w^as  more 
frequently  to  be  met  wdth  than  any  other  variety.  The  fruit 
being  of  but  moderate  size,  its  culture  has  been  rejected  by 
many  persons  who  have  substituted  the  larger  varieties  in  its 
stead.  There  may  be  a question  whether  we  are  gainers  by 
a total  rejection  of  this  ancient  and  more  humble  represen- 
tative of  a favorite  class  of  fruits.  The  plants  are  exceedingly 
productive  ; the  berries  ripen  in  gradual  succession,  and  al- 
though of  small  size,  contribute  by  their  abundance  to  make 
up  in  part  for  their  deficiency  in  this  respect.  The  flavour  of 
the  fruit  is  very  agreeable  ; and  this  old  friend  of  our  gar- 
dens, w'hich  makes  so  little  display,  and  has  appeared  for  some 
time  to  be  sinking  into  utter  neglect  before  its  congeners  of 
greater  magnitude  and  beauty,  is  with  me  still  a great  fa- 
vourite, The  English  White  Wood  strawberry  is  similar  to 
the  one  here  described  in  almost  every  point  except  colour. 

ELTON  SEEDLING.  Pu.  cat.  Pom.  Mag.  Lind. 

This  variety  has  been  recently  brought  to  notice,  and  has 
proved  one  of  the  very  first  class  in  point  of  excellence,  and 
on  a par  with  the  celebrated  Keens’  Seedling.  It  is  a healthy 
plant,  bears  most  profusely,  and  the  fruit  is  very  large  and 


180 


STRAWBERRIES. 


handsome.  It  ripens  so  late  as  to  furnish  a supply  of  Pine 
strawberries,  to  whicli  class  it  belongs,  long  after  all  other 
pine-like  sorts  are  over;  and  finall}^,  it  possesses  the  great 
merit  of  packing  well,  and  being  peculiarly  suitable  for  pre- 
serving— a quality  which  very  few  strawberries  possess. 

“ It  comes  after  the  Old  Pine,  Downton,  and  Keens’  Seed- 
ling ; it  is  larger  and  a much  more  abundant  bearer  than  either 
of  the  former  ; and  like  the  latter,  keeps  ripening  its  berries  in 
long  succession.  The  leaves  are  middle  sized;  the  leaflets 
ovate,  in  general  slightly  concave,  sometimes  a little  convex, 
obtusely  serrated;  upper  surface  somewhat  hairy;  deep  green; 
the  younger  light  grass  green,  with  a slight  tinge  of  yellow ; 
le^af-stalks  upright,  moderately  strong,  rough,  with  hairs, 
spreading  horizontally,  which  is  also  the  case  with  the  scapes, 
but  on  the  peduncles  the  hairs  are  adpressed.  It  may  be  ob- 
served, that  all  strawberries  with  rough  leaf-stalks  contain 
more  acidity  than  those  with  smooth.  The  flowers  are  large, 
petals  roundish,  concave  ; stamens  rather  short,  with  anthers 
generally  perfect ; calyx  middle-sized,  incurved,  sometimes 
partially  reflexed  ; scapes  strong,  nearly  as  long  as  the  foot- 
stalks ; branchlets  or  peduncles  rather  short.  The  fruit  is 
large,  ovate,  often  compressed  or  cockscomb  shaped,  of  a 
rich,  shining,  dark  red  ; grains  yellow,  regularly  imbedded 
between  ridged  intervals,  which  are  flattened  or  rounded  on 
the  tops  ; flesh  firm,  with  a small  core,  deep  red,  juic}^  and 
having  a sharp  rich  flavour.” — Pom.  Mag. 

RED  ALPINE.  Pr.  C^t. 

Monthly.  Everbearing. 

Fraisier  des  Alpes,  d fruit  rouge,  ) of  the  French 

Fraisier  des  quaire  saisons  d fruit  rouge,  \ collections. 

The  fruit  of  this  variety  greatly  resembles  that  of  the  Eng- 
lish Red  Wood  strawberry,  in  colour,  size,  and  quality.  It 
sends  out  numerous  runners  early  in  the  season,  and  these  as 
weW  as  the  older  plants  produce  moderate  crops  of  fruit,  until 
the  severity  of  the  weather  arrests  vegetation.  I have  culled 
a dish  of  the  fruit  even  at  Christmas,  and  this  is  not  an  un- 


STRAWBERRIES. 


181 


common  circumstance,  when  the  autumn  is  prolonged  by  fine 
weather.  The  White  Alpine,  with  runners,  is  similar  to  the 
preceding,  except  in  point  of  colour. 

The  habits  and  general  character  of  the  Alpine  and  Wood 
strawberries  are  very  similar  ; the  principal  difference  is  in  the 
shape  of  the  fruit,  and  in  the  period  of  production.  In  the 
former  the  berries  are  usually  conical,  and  in  the  latter  more 
globose.  The  Alpine  varieties  continue  to  produce  fruit  after 
the  main  crop  has  passed,  in  greater  or  less  quantities,  until 
the  severity  of  the  weather  prevents,  but  the  Wood  strawber- 
ries do  not. 


WHITE  BUSH  ALPINE.  Pr.  cat. 

Fraisier  des  Alpes  sans  filet,  a fruit  hlanc,  ) of  the  French 

Fraisier  des  quatre  saisons  sans  filet,  d fruit  hlanc,  > collections 
Fraisier  buisson  des  quatre  saisons,  d fruit  hlanc,  ) 

The  fruit  of  this  variety  is  similar  in  size  and  quality  to  the 
English  White  Wood  strawberry.  The  peculiarities  which  dis- 
tinguish it  are  the  following  ; It  forms  no  runners,  but  conti- 
nues flowering  and  producing  fruit  until  the  winter  sets  in. 
The  crop  produced  towards  the  close  of  the  season  is,  how- 
ever, far  less  abundant  than  that  produced  in  June.  The  Red 
bush  Alpine  is  only  distinguished  from  the  white  variety  by 
its  difference  in  colour.  Both  are  interesting  appendages  to 
the  fruit  garden,  and  their  being  devoid  of  runners  renders 
them  suitable  for  borders. 

TRUE  CHILI.  Luxd.  iiort.  trans.  Linu. 

Fraisier  de  Chili,  Duh.  Patagonian. 

GreenwelV s New  Giant.  Large  Hairy  Chili.  Bourbon. 

This  is  the  original  species  from  which  several  seminal  va- 
rieties have  been  produced.  The  fruit  is  particularly  large, 
of  irregular  shape,  but  generally  ovate  or  bluntly  conical,  and 
when  ripe  of  an  uniform  dull  varnished  brownish  red ; the 
seeds  are  dark  brown,  and  projecting  ; the  flesh  slightly  tinged 
with  red  near  the  outside,  the  other  part  whitish,  very  firm, 
hollow  in  the  centre,  with  a small  core.  The  fruit  ripens 


182 


strawberries. 


late,  and  the  foliage  mostly  perishes  during  the  winter,  and 
frequently  a large  proportion  of  the  plants  also,  unless  they 
are  well  covered  with  straw,  See.  The  two  succeeding 
varieties,  which  have  been  raised  from  the  seeds  of  this,  are 
more  hardy,  and  usually  retain  their  leaves  perfect. 

AVILMOT’S  SUPERB.  Pa.  cat.  LI^'D.  LorfD.  iiort.  teans. 

The  berries  of  this  variety  which  ripen  first  are  very  large, 
irregularly  rounded,  ovate  or  flattened,  and  sometimes  of  a 
cockscomb'  shape ; the  others  are  invariably  round  ; all  are 
hairy,  of  a pale  scarlet  hue,  appearing  as  if  polished ; the 
seeds  are  brown,  and  projecting  ; the  flesh  very  firm,  pale 
scarlet  next  the  outside,  and  whitish  within,  with  a small  hol- 
low at  the  centre,  and  a core  ; the  flavour  is  very  good,  but- 
tery, and  rich,  mingled  with  acid. 

YELLOAV  CHILI.  Loxd.  Hoet.  teaxs.  Lixd. 

The  fruit  of  this  variety  is  of  a very  large  size,  irregularly 
ovate,  frequently  compressed,  and  sometimes  cockscomb  shaped; 
of  a brown  hue  on  the  sunny  side,  and  yellow  on  the  other  ; 
the  seeds  are  brown,  slightly  embedded,  with  flat  intervals  ; 
the  flesh  very  firm,  buttery,  yellowish,  with  a core,  flavour 
very  rich,  with  some  acidity. 

COMMON  HAUTBOIS.  Pe.  cat.  Loxd.  iioet.  teans.  Lind. 

English  red  Hauthois.  Pr.  Cat.  26  ed. 

Capron  DemeJle.  Duh. 

Dioecious  Haiiihois,  Old  Hauthois. 

English  Hauthois.  Mushy  Hauthois. 

This  variety  is  more  commonly  met  with  in  our  gardens 
than  any  other  of  its  class,  and  yet  it  is  the  least  worthy  of 
cultivation.  It  has  been  very  frequently  complained  of,  on 
account  of  its  propensity  to  overrun  the  beds  with  male  or 
barren  plants,  thereby  rendering  the  plantations  of  it  partially 
or  entirely  unproductive.  The  fruit  is  rather  small  or  of  me- 
dium size,  spherical,  of  a pale  greenish  white  tinged  with  dull 


STRAWBERRIES. 


183 


brownish  purple ; the  seeds  are  slightly  embedded  and  the 
flavour  musky.  The  flowers  called  males  produce  occasion- 
ally small  imperfect  berries  with  projecting  seeds,  and  it  is  re- 
quisite that  the  plants  which  yield  flowers  of  this  description 
should  be  eradicated  as  useless. 

GLOBE  HAUTBOIS.  Loxd.  hokt.  trajsts.  Lind. 

The  fruit  of  this  variety  is  of  nearly  a spherical  form,  small, 
becoming  dark  purple  when  ripe ; the  seeds  prominent ; the 
flesh  greenish,  firm,  with  a separable  core ; the  flavour  good, 
with  the  aroma  or  perfume  peculiar  to  its  class 

LARGE  FLAT  HAUTBOIS.  Lond.  hort.  tkans.  Lind. 

Bath  Hautbois.  White  Hauihois.  Formosa  Hauthois. 

Weymouth  Hautbois. 

This  has  large  fruit,  of  a roundish  form,  depressed,  light 
red,  and  pale  on  the  under  side  ; the  flesh  is  greenish,  without 
core,  and  juicy ; but  though  delicate,  it  is  not  so  high  flavoured 
as  the  other  ; the  seeds  are  embedded  in  the  skin. 

DWARF  WHITE  CAROLINA.  Lond.  hort.  trans.  Lind. 

This  has  large  fruit,  of  an  irregular  ovate  form,  hairy,  brown- 
ish on  the  sunny  side,  white  on  the  other  side  ; the  seeds  are 
scarcely  embedded,  prominent,  and  darker  than  the  fruit ; the 
flesh  white,  soft,  woolly,  with  a large  core,  and  the  flavour  in- 
different. Although  English  pomologists  attach  the  title  of 
“ Carolina”  to  this  variety,  I have  not  been  able  to  discover 
such  a one  among  our  natives. 

ROUND  WHITE  CAROLINA.  Lond.  hort.  trans.  Lind. 

Large  While.  While  Chili.  White  Pine.  Large  pale  Chili. 

Large  blush  Pine.  Large  jiesh-coloured  Chili. 

, This  fruit  is  of  large  size,  irregularly  ovate,  sometimes 
roundish,  having  a tendency  to  form  a neck,  of  a brownish 
colour  towards  the  sun,  and  white  on  the  opposite  side  ; the 
seeds  deeply  embedded,  with  ridged  intervals  ; the  flesh  is 
soft,  white  and  woolly,  with  a large  core  ; the  flavour  is  in- 
different. 


184 


STRAWBERRIES. 


BLOOD  PINE.  Lond.  iiort.  traks.  Lind. 

This  is  a sub-variety  of  the  Old  Pine  or  Carolina.  Its 
scapes  are  considerably  longer,  and  it  is  distinguishable  by  its 
leaves  being  of  a darker  colour  and  thicker  texture,  with 
stronger  footstalks. 

CHINESE.  Lond.  hort.  trans.  Lind. 

Bourbon  blush.  North’s  large  scarlet.  Red  Chili. 

This  fruit  is  apparently  compressed,  nearly  round,  of  me- 
dium size,  and  of  a pale  varnished  red  colour  ; the  seeds  are 
brown  and  prominent ; the  flesh  soft,  light  pink,  with  a large 
core,  and  woolly  ; the  flavour  indifferent. 

MULBERRY.  Lond.  hort.  trans.  Lind. 

Mohone.  King.  CheroHiee. 

This  fruit  is  of  ovate  form,  with  a short  neck;  it  is  of  me- 
dium size  and  a deep  purplish  red  hue ; the  flesh  is  soft,  red, 
coarse,  with  a long  core,  and  the  seeds  are  slightly  embedded 
in  the  skin  ; the  flavour  Is  but  moderate. 

VARIEGATED  PINE.  Lond.  hort.  trans.  Lind. 

This  variety  is  cultivated  more  for  ornament  and  curiosity 
than  for  usefulness ; the  leaves  are  prettily  mottled  or  varie- 
gated with  white,  but  the  plants  being  weakly,  the  -fruit  pro- 
duced by  them  is  of  little  or  no  importance. 

SURINAM.  Lond.  hort.  trans.  lind. 

Devonshire  Scarlet.  Oldaker’s  New  Pine.  Red  Chili.  Red 
Pineapple.  Sutton’s  large. 

This  variety  produces  very  large  fruit,  of  an  irregulariy 
ovate  or  round  form,  without  a neck,  of  a light  shining  red 
on  the  sunny  side  and  pale  coloured  on  the  other  ; the  seeds 
are  yellow  and  prominent,  the  flesh  firm,  pale  red,  with  a ’arge 
core  ; the  flavour  indiflerent.  The  fruit  is  entirely  concealed 
by  the  leaves. 


STRAWBERRIES. 


185 


BULLOCK’S  BLOOD.  Lond.  hort.  trans.  Lind. 

This  fruit  is  of  large  size,  of  ovate  form  and  of  a light  shi- 
ning red  hue  ; the  seeds  are  dark  red  on  the  sunny  side,  yel- 
low on  the  other,  projecting  from  a polished  surface  ; the 
flesh  is  pale  red,  firm,  juicy,  and  of  indifierent 'flavour. 

DUTCH.  Lond.  hort.  trans.  Lind. 

This  fruit  is  of  a brilliant  red  colour,  of  round  form,  and 
large  size  ; the  seeds  project  from  a smooth  varnished  surface  ; 
the  flesh  is  pale  red,  downy,  hollow  at  the  centre,  with  a core, 
and  of  indifierent  flavour. 

BOSTOCK.  . Pr.  cat.  Lond.  hort.  trans.  Lind. 

Caledonian,  New-Bath.  Prolific  Bath.  Rostock. 

Rostock  Pine.  Whitley^ s Pine. 

This  variety  produces  very  large  fruit,  of  nearly  round 
form,  slightly  hairy,  with  a small  neck  ; the  largest  berries 
are  irregularly  swelled  towards  the  base,  and  terminate  in  a 
point  which  is  of  a dark  polished  red  next  the  sun,  and  light 
scarlet  on  the  opposite  side  ; the  seeds  are  prominent,  brown 
on  one  side  of  the  fruit,  and  yellow  on  the  other ; the  flesh  is 
of  a pale  scarlet  hue,  firm,  coarse,  with  a small  hollow  arid 
core,  and  without  any  particular  flavour. 

GLAZED  PINE.  Lond.  hort.  trans.  Lind. 

Scarlet  Pine  ajqde.  KnotCs  Pine. 

The  fruit  of  this  variety  is  variable  in  point  of  form  ; the 
largest  berries  often  appear  as  if  compressed,  but  are  generally 
conical,  with  a neck  ; large,  hairy,  of  a darkish  varnished 
/ scarlet,  and  thp  seeds  prominent ; the  flesh  is  of  a pale  scarlet 
hue,  firm,  with  a large  core  ; the  flavour  good,  but  inferior  to 
that  of  the  Old  Pine. 

BATH  SCARLET.  Pr.  cat.  Lond.  hort.  trans.  Lind. 
Devonshire.  North’s  seedling.  Golden  Drop.  Milne’s  seedling. 

Tills  variety  produces  scarlet  fruit  of  a roundish  or  ovate 
form,  with  a short  neck,  small  for  its  class  ; the  flesh  is  soft, 

VOL.  II.  24 


186 


STRAWBERRIES. 


with  a large  core,  pale  scarlet,  and  very  coarse,  without  any 
particular  flavour  ; the  seeds  are  very  prominent  and  of  a dark 
shining  red  hue. 

BLACK  PRINCE.  Lond.  hoet.  teaxs.  Lind. 
Wilmofs  Black  Imperial. 

This  fruit  is  of  a very  dark  purplish  hue,  hairy,  and  of  me- 
dium size ; its  form  depressed,  spherical,  with  a furrow  at  the 
apex ; the  seeds  slightly  embedded ; the  skin  highly  polished  ; 
the  flesh  solid,  firm,  of  a rich  dull  scarlet  with  a small  core ; 
the  juice  dark  and  highly  flavoured. 

GIBBS’  SEEDLING  BLACK.  Loxd.  hoet.  teaxs.  Lixd. 

The  fruit  of  this  variety  is  small,  conical,  and  hairy,  with  a 
neck ; and  of  a dark  purplish  red  colour ; the  flesh  scarlet, 
firm  and  very  high  flavoured. 

OLD  BLACK.  Loxd.  hoet.  teaxs.  Lixd. 

Black  Pine.  Turkey  Pine.  Mulberry.  Black  Canterbury. 

This  fruit  is  of  a medium  size,  conical  form,  elongated,  and 
pointed,  with  a neck,  hairy,  and  very  dark  purplish  red  ; the 
flesh  is  scarlet  and  firm,  with  a buttery  core,  very  rich  and 
high  flavoured. 

PITMASTON  BLACK.  Pe.  cat.  Loxd.  hoet.  teaxs.  Lixd. 
Late  Pitmaston  Black. 

This  fruit  is  of  medium  size,  ovate,  with  a neck,  slightly 
hairy,  and  of  a very  dark  purplish  red  hue ; the  flesh  scarlet, 
solid  and  very  firm,  buttery  and  of  a rich  flavour  ; seeds  are 
slightly  embedded. 

EARLY  SCARLET.  Pe.  cat. 

^Ear^^^ca^et  ^ of  Prince’s  Catalogues  for  the  last  sixty  years. 

Morrisania  scarlet.  Lond.  Hort.  Trans.  Lind. 

Fragaria  virginiana.  Lin.  Pursh.  For.  Nut.  and  other  botanists. 

This  is  the  type  or  original  species  of  the  class  termed 
“ Scarlet  strawberries.”  The  plants  in  the  garden  of  the 


STRAWBERRIES. 


187 


London  Horticultural  Society,  denominated  “ Morrisania 
scarlet,”  were  sent  to  them  by  the  father  of  the  author,  and 
were  collected  in  the  woods  of  Morrisania,  the  seat  of  the  late 
Governeur  Morris,  Esq.  They  are  identical  with  the  com- 
mon Fragaria  virginiana,  found  so  common  in  our  woods  and 
uncultivated  fields.  The  berries  are  small,  but  occasionally 
attain  a medium  size  ; their  form  is  roundish,  the  colour  red, 
and  they  are  produced  in  clusters ; the  seeds  are  not  nume- 
rous, rather  deeply  embedded,  with  wide  rounded  intervals ; 
the  flesh  whitish,  soft,  with  a detached  core  ; the  flavour  when 
in  a wild  state  is  superior,  but  perhaps  not  equal  when  the 
plants  are  cultivated  in  gardens. 

AMERICAN  SCARLET.  Lond.  hort.  trans.  Lind. 

Black  American. 

They  cultivate  in  England  a variety  by  the  above  title, 
which  I presume  originated  there  from  seed  of  the  preceding 
one,  though  it  may  possibly  have  been  transported  from  our 
forests.  The  fruit  is  large,  conical,  and  pointed,  with  a neck, 
of  a deep  rich  shining  blood  red,  and  rough ; the  seeds  nu- 
merous, brownish;  not  deeply  embedded,  with  sharp  intervals ; 
the  flesh  dark  scarlet,  firm,  with  a core ; and  the  flavour  rich 
and  agreeable. 

AUTUMN  SCARLET.  Lond.  hort.  trans.  Lind. 

The  fruit  of  this  is  of  medium  size,  and  ovate  form,  with  a 
neck,  and  of  an  uniform  dark  shining  red  ; the  seeds  yellow, 
deeply  embedded,  with  ridged  intervals  ; the  flesh  solid,  firm, 
of  a pale  scarlet  hue  and  good  flavour. 

BISHOP’S  SEEDLING  SCARLET.  Lond.  hort.  trans.  Lind. 

This  variety  produces  fruit  of  a moderate  size,  round,  with 
a neck,  hairy,  and  of  a light  scarlet  colour ; the  seeds  deeply 
embedded,  with  ridged  intervals ; the  flesh  solid,  firm,  and 
pale  scarlet,  with  a moderate  flavour. 


18S 


STRAWBERRIES. 


CARMINE  SCARLET.  Loxd.  hort.  tra:^s.  Lixd. 

Carmine  Roseberry. 

This  fruit  is  of  a large  size,  blunth’  conical,  with  a neck, 
and  of  a brilliant  shining  varnished  red  ; the  seeds  are  slight- 
ly embedded,  with  sharp  ridged  interv  als ; the  flesh  is  of  a 
pale  scarlet  hue  tinged  with  red.  Arm  and  of  a very  high 
flavour. 

MELON.  Pe.  cat.  Loud.  card.  mag. 

Loudon  gives  the  following  description  of  this  varieu*.  It 
is  a seedling,  raised  at  Aberdeen,  which  has  been  declared  by 
Dr.  Dyce  of  that  city,  to  be  “ the  finest  variety  in  existence.” 
“ The  size  and  shape  of  this  fruit  in  a great  measure  resemble 
the  Roseberiy’  but  rather  larger ; the  colour  is  very  dark,  the 
flavour  exquisite,  and  tlie  plant  is  an  abundant  bearer  and 
forces  well.”  The  above  description  (Mr.  Loudon  observes) 
was  sent  to  London  together  with  two  or  three  plants,  b}*  !Mr. 
Alexander  Diack,  secretary  to  the  Aberdeen  Horticultural  So- 
ciety ; and  Mr.  L.  further  states  that  he  had  tasted  in  Mr. 
Groom’s  garden  what  are  there  called  Diack’s  Xo.  1 and 
No.  2,  which  are  excellent  strawberries  and  great  bearers. 

GARNESTONE  SCARLET.  Hort.  traxs.  Lend. 

This  fruit  is  of  medium  size,  round,  hair}*,  with  a short  neck 
and  of  a rich  glossy  scarlet  hue  ; the  seeds  are  red,  deeply 
embedded,  with  round  intervals ; the  flesh  scarlet,  firm,  with  a 
sharp  agreeable  flavour. 

GRIMSTONE  SC.ARLET.  Hort.  traxs.  Lixd. 

This  fruit  is  of  medium  size,  conical,  with  a neck,  and  of  a 
dark  scarlet  colour ; the  seeds  are  numerous,  variously  but 
deeply  embedded,  with  regular  acutely  ridged  intervals ; the 
flesh  solid,  pale  scarlet,  of  excellent  flavour,  and  possessing  a 
peculiar  sweetness. 


STRAWBERRIES. 


189 


HUDSON’S  BAY.  Pr.  cat. 

HudsorCs  Bay  Scarlet.  Hort.  Trans.  Lind.  * 

American  Scarlet,  Late  Scarlet,  > of  English 

Hudson's  Pine,  York  river  Scarlet,  ^ Catalogues,  &;c. 

Hopwood's  Scarlet. 

This  variety  is  more  extensively  cultivated  for  supplying 
the  markets  of  New-York  than  any  other.  The  Large  Early 
Scarlet  is  the  onty  one  preferred  to  it  for  the  same  object,  but 
that  is  of  recent  origin,  and  has  not  yet  become  generally  dis- 
seminated, owing  in  a great  measure  to  the  unwillingness  of 
the  person  who  raised  it  to  allow  it  to  go  out  of  his  possession. 
The  fruit  of  the  present  variety  is  quite  large,  with  a neck, 
irregularly  shaped,  approaching  to  ovate,  and  of  a dark  rich 
shining  red  hue  ; the  seeds  are  unequal  in  size,  deeply  embed- 
ded, with  ridged  intervals ; the  flesh  is  a pale  scarlet,  firm, 
hollow,  with  a core  ; of  good  flavour  with  some  acidity.  The 
berries  should  not  be  gathered  until  they  assume  a dark  colour, 
and.  are  fully  ripe,  as  otherwise  the  acidity  of  the  fruit  pre- 
dominates, and  injures  its  flavour.  This  is  an  exceedingly 
productive  strawberry,  and  its  culture  for  market  is  found  to  be 
highly  profitable.  The  New-Hudson  is  a seedling  variety 
raised  from  the  one  here  described. 

CHARLOTTE.  Hort.  trans.  Lind. 

Princess  Charlotte^ s Strawberry. 

This  fruit  is  of  medium  size  and  round  form,  hairy,  and  of 
a purplish  red  hue  ; the  flesh  scarlet,  firm,  and  high  flavoured. 
It  is  a very  moderate  bearer,  but  ripens  early. 

CLUSTERED  SCARLET.  Hort.  trans.  Lind. 

Clustered  Wood  Pine. 

This  fruit  is  of  a moderate  size,  obtusely  conical,  or  nearly 
round,  very  dark  purplish  red  ; the  seeds  are  of  the  same 
colour  as  the  fruit,  unequally  embedded  between  the  intervals, 
which  are  sometimes  flat,  and  at  other  times  bluntly  ridged ; 
the  flesh  is  scarlet,  firm,  and  well  flavoured. 


190 


strawberries. 


COCKSCOMB  SCARLET.  Hort.  traxs.  LI^■D. 

This  fruit  is  large,  compressed,  with  a furrow  along  the 
apex,  which  appears  as  a simple  indenture  when  the  berry  does 
not  put  on  a cockscomb-shape  ; the  early  berries  are  complete- 
ly cockscombed,  so  much  so  as  to  enclose  the  calyx  within  the 
fruit  by  surrounding  the  end  of  the  peduncle  ; the  colour  is 
a bright  scarlet  ; the  seeds  are  pale,  slightly  embedded 
between  flat  intervals  ; the  flesh  is  of  a pale  scarlet  hue,  solid, 
with  a large  core,  well  flavoured  but  without  acidity. 


WILMOT’S  LATE  SCARLET.  Pr.  cat.  Hort.  trans.  Lind. 


Wilmofs  Scdrletj  Wilmoths  New  Scarlet, 
Wilmoi’s  Seedling,  Large  Scarlet, 

Late  Scarlet,  Late  Virginian, 


of  English 
Catalogues,  &c. 


This  fruit  is  very  large,  bluntly  conical,  irregularly  shaped, 
and  of  a shining  light  red  colour ; the  seeds  are  small,  deeply 
embedded,  with  ridged  intervals ; the  flesh  white,  hollow,  in 
the  centre,  and  of  moderate  flavour.  It  is  a good  bearer, 
ripening  late  enough  to  succeed  the  Old  Scarlet,  and  produc- 
ing its  berries  in  succession,  so  as  to  aflbrd  a continued  supply. 
In  order  to  taste  it  in  perfection,  it  should  be  eaten  as  soon  as 
gathered. 


SIR  JOSEPH  BANKS’  SCARLET.  Hort.  trans.  Lind. 

New  Scarlet.  Ib. 

This  fruit  is  of  a bright  scarlet  colour,  of  moderate  size, 
oblong,  with  a neck,  the  apex  blunt ; the  seeds  are  nearly 
prominent,  with  very  flat  intervals  ; the  flesh  is  a brilliant 
scarlet,  firm  and  high  flavoured.  Mr.  Lindley  remarks,  that 
this  variety  is  very  closely  allied  to  the  Austrian  scarlet,  with 
which  it  has  probably  been  sometimes  confounded ; it  ripens 
nearly  at  the  same  time,  and  though  not  so  prolific,  has  a 
superior  flavour. 

VERNON’S  SCARLET.  Hort.  trans.  Lind. 

White’s  Scarlet.  Ib. 

This  fruit  is  of  medium  size,  round,  dark  red,  rather  hairy. 


STRAWBERRIES. 


191' 


the  seeds  are  slightly  embedded,  with  flat  intervals  ; the  flesh 
is  of  a pale  vermilion  hue,  white  at  the  centre,  solid  and  well 
flavoured.  It  is  a good  bearer,  and  ripens  early. 

KNIGHT’S  LARGE  SCARLET.  Hurt,  traas.  Lind. 

/- 

Hairy  leaved  Scarlet,  ^ 

Great  American  Scarlet,  > of  English  collections. 

Large  Scarlet,  ) 

This  fruit  is  about  the  medium  size,  roundish  or  slightly 
conical  in  its  form,  and  of  a light  vermilion  colour  ; the  seeds 
are  deeply  embedded,  with  ridged  intervals ; the  flesh  is 
nearly  white,  soft,  and  of  a pleasant  flavour. 

LEWISHAM  SCARLET.  Hort.  trans.  Lind. 

Scarlet  Cluster.  Ib. 

This  fruit  is  of  small  size,  roundish,  with  a short  neck, 
slightly  hairy,  of  an  uniform  dark  shining  purplish  red  and 
grows  in  clusters ; the  seeds  are  embedded,  but  not  deeply  so, 
and  with  flat  intervals  ; the  flesh  is  scarlet,  firm,  and  solid  ; 
the  flavour  very  moderate. 

METHVEN  SCARLET.  Pr  cat.  Hort.  trans.  Lind. 

Methven  Scarlet.  Southampton  Scarlet. 

Lindley  and  others  thus  describe  this  variety.  The  fruit 
very  large,  cordate,  compressed,  inclining  to  cockscomb  shape 
in  the  earliest  fruit,  the  late  berries  conical : the  colour  dark 
scarlet ; the  seeds  pale  yellow,  not  deeply  embedded,  regularly 
and  closely  set  with  ridged  intervals  ; the  flesh  of  a scarlet  hue, 
very  woolly,  and  tasteless,  with  a large  hollow  in  the  centre, 

OBLONG  SCARLET.  Hort.  trans.  Lind. 

This  fruit  is  of  a rather  large  size,  oblong,  with  a long 
neck,  which  part  being  without  seeds,  has  a peculiar  glossy 
or  shining  appearance,  of  a bright  light  scarlet  colour  ; the 
the  seeds  are  few,  deeply  embedded,  between  ridged  intervals  ; 


192 


STRAWBERRIES. 


the  flesh  is  nearly  of  the  same  colour  as  the  outside,  but  of  a 
little  paler  hue,  firm,  and  of  good  flavour. 

PITMASTON  BLACK  SCARLET.  Hort.  trans.  Lind. 

Early  Pitmaston  Black.  Ib. 

This  fruit  is  of  moderate  size,  oblong,  with  a neck,  slightly 
hairy,  and  of  a dark  purplish  red  colour  ; the  seeds  on  the 
sunny  side  are  of  a similar  hue,  but  on  the  other  they  are 
yellow,  not  deeply  embedded,  and  the  intervals  are  rather  flat. 
The  flesh  is  tinged  with  scarlet,  tender,  with  a small  core, 
sweet  mingled  with  a pleasant  acidity,  and  partaking  a little 
of  the  raspberry  flavour. 

SCONE  SCARLET.  Hort.  trans.  Lind. 

This  fruit  is  of  moderate  size,  round,  without  a neck,  hairy, 
of  a light  shining  red  on  the  sunny  side,  and  paler  on  the 
other  ; the  seeds  are  dark  brown,  deeply  embedded,  with  round 
intervals ; the  flesh  firm,  and  of  a pale  pink  hue  ; the  flavour 
sharp,  with  abundance  of  acid.  It  is  a great  bearer,  ripens 
late,  and  the  fruit  contains  more  acidity  than  any  other  known 
variety. 

Remarks. 

The  varieties  of  strawberries  here  described  are  deemed  suf- 
ficient in  point  of  number  for  the  purpose  of  selection  ; the 
author  has,  however,  a number  of  kinds  under  culture  of  which 
he  cannot  at  present  define  the  peculiarities  with  sufficient  pre- 
cision, and  he  therefore  defers  noticing  them  until  his  investi- 
gations are  perfected.  In  the  descriptions  given  in  this  work, 
where  the  size  of  the  fruit  is  mentioned,  it  is  to  be  understood 
that  the  comparison  is  only  made  between  the  varieties  belong- 
ing to  each  particular  class,  and  that  it  does  not  comprise  the 
varieties  belonging  to  other  classes  ; and  where  it  is  stated 
that  the  fruit  has  a core,  the  idea  intended  to.  be  conveyed,  is, 
that  the  core  readily  separates,  adhering  to  the  calyx,  when  the 
receptacle  is  removed. 


PEARS. 


AMBROSIA.  SwiTz.  Lind. 

Early  Beurre.  Lond.  Hort.  cat. 

“ Fruit  middle-sized,  of  a roundish  and  somewhat  flatten- 
ed figure.  Eye  rather  sunk.  Stalk  an  inch  long,  slender,  and  a 
little  bent.  Skin  smooth,  greenish  yellow  and  full  of  small 
gray  specks.  Flesh  lender,  with  a rich,  sugary,  and  perfumed 
juice.  Ripe  the  middle  of  September.  This  pear  was  brought 
from  France  soon  after  the  restoration,  and  planted  in  the 
Royal  Gardens  in  St.  James’s  Park.  It  is  a very  good  pear, 
but  will  not  keep  long.” — Lind. 

LAMMAS.  Lond.  hort.  cat.  Lind.] 

‘‘  Fruit  rather  small,  of  a pyramidal  shape.  Stalk  half  an 
inch  long,  straight.  Skin  pale  yellow,  tinged  and  slightly 
streaked  with  red  on  the  sunny  side.  Flesh  melting,  juice 
plentiful,  of  a very  good  flavour.  Ripe  the  beginning  and 
middle  of  August.  This  is  a very  excellent  pear  for  the 
market  gardener,  as  it  is  not  only  a very  good  bearer,  but  the 
first  strong  pear  that  comes  to  market,  and  the  tree  is  hardy, 
and  an  erect  handsome  grower.” — Lind. 

LONDON  SUGAR.  Lind,  and  of  European  catalogues. 

“ Fruit  below  the  middle  size,  turbinate,  and  rather  narrow 
at  the  crown,  about  two  inches  long,  and  one  inch  and  three 
quarters  in  diameter.  Eye  small  with  a connivent  calyx,  rather 
prominently  placed,  and  surrounded  by  irregular,  puckered^ 
apparently  blistered  plaits.  Stalk  an  inch  long,  slender, 
inserted  in  a small  oblique  cavity.  Skin  pale  green,  approach- 
ing to  pale  lemon  colour  when  fully  ripe,  with  a slight  brownish 
tinge  when  fully  exposed  to  the  sun.  Flesh  tender  and  melting, 
juice  saccharine,  of  a rich  musky  flavour.  Ripe  the  end  of  July 
VOL.  II.  25 


194 


PEARS. 


and  beginning  of  August.  The  branches  of  this  tree  are  long, 
slender,  and  for  the  most  part  drooping,  in  the  manner  of  the 
Epargne.  It  is  an  excellent  early  fruit,  and  a hardy  bearer, 
and  may  be  found  in  great  plenty  in  the  Norwich  markets, 
under  this  name.  It  is  very  much  like  the  Madeleine,  figured 
in  the  Pomological  Magazine  ; but  its  branches  are  pendulous, 
in  the  Madeleine  they  are  ascending.” — Lind. 

SABINE  D’ETE.  Pr.  Cat.  Lond.  iiort.  traxs.  Lind. 

“Fruit  of  a pyramidal  form,  broadest  at  the  crown,  and 
tapering  to  a round  blunt  point  at  the  stalk.  Eye  small,  not 
deeply  sunk.  Stalk  an  inch  long,  inserted  in  a’  shallow  cavity. 
Skin  perfectly  smooth  and  even,  of  a yellow  colour  on  the 
shaded  side,  and  of  a fine  scarlet,  minutely  dotted  when  exposed 
to  the  sun.  Flesh  white,  or  nearly  so,  melting,  juicy,  and 
highly  perfumed.  Ripe  the  beginning  and  middle  of  August. 
Raised  in  1819,  by  M.  Stoffels,  ofMechlin,  and  named  by  him 
after  Mr.  Sabine,  at  that  time  Secretary  to  the  Horticultural 
Society  of  London. — Lind. 

SEIGNEUR  D’ETE.  Lond.  hort.  trans.  Lind. 

Lord  of  summer. 

Fruit  above  the  middle  size,  of  a blunt  oval  figure.  Skin 
of  a fine  orange,  with  bright  scarlet  on  the  sunny  side,  sprinkled 
with  brown  spots,  and  partially  marked  with  larger  ones  of  the 
same  colour.  Flesh  melting,  with  an  extremely  small  cone, 
and  a rich  high  flavoured  juice.  Ripe  the  beginning  and 
middle  of  September.  This  very  beautiful  pear  has  been 
known  in  Flanders  many  years,  and  the  fruit  was  sent  to  this 
country  by  M.  Stofiel’s  of  Mechlin,  and  exhibited  at  the  Horti- 
cultural Society  in  1819.” — Lind. 

YAT.  Lind. 

Yat,  or  Yut,  of  the  Dutch  gardens, 

“Fruit  rather  small,  turbinate,  about  two  inches  long,  and 
one  inch  and  three  quarters  in  diameter,  generally  a little 
flattened  on  the  opposite  sides.  Eye  small,  opens  with  a very 


PEARS. 


195 


short  calyx,  seated  in  a rather  shallow  uneven  basin.  Stalk 
an  inch  long,  rather  slender,  obliquely  inserted,  without  any 
cavity.  Skin  of  a very  thick  russetty  brown,  thickly  covered 
with  round  gray  specks,  and  generally  a little  coloured  when 
exposed  to  the  sun.  Flesh  breaking  and  tender,  with  a very 
sugary,  rich,  and  highly  perfumed  juice.  Ripe  the  middle  and 
end  of  September.  The  trees  of  this  very  valuable  variety 
grow  large,  and  the  branches  are  drooping  like  those  of  the 
Epargne,  but  much  more  slender  and  numerous.  A very 
hardy  bearer,  brought  from  Holland  by  the  late  Thomas 
Harvey,  Esq.  and  planted  in  his  garden  at  Catton,  near 
Norwich,  about  sixty  years  ago,  along  with  some  plants  of 
the  Dutch  Mignonne  Apple,  both  sorts  of  which  are  now 
gto  wi  n g.”— 

CHARLES  D’AUTRICHE.  Pr.  cat.  Lond.  hort.  trans.  Lind, 

Charles  of  Austria, 

“ Fruit  large,  very  handsome,  about  three  inches  and  a half 
long,  and  three  inches  broad,  in  colour  something  like  a White 
Beurre,  but  in  shape  more  convex  and  irregular.  Eye  in  a 
confined  hollow,  not  deeply  sunk.  Stalk  an  inch  long.  Skin 
greenish  yellow,  profusely  sprinkled  with  brown  specks,  and 
partially  russetted.  Flesh  white,  melting,  ver}^  juicy,  with  a 
rich  high  flavour,  but  with  little  perfume.  Ripe  the  beginning 
to  the  end  of  November.  A fine  and  beautiful  fruit,  raised  by 
Dr.  Van  Mons,  and  sent  to  the  Horticultural  Society,  where  it 
was  exhibited  in  November,  1816.” — Lind. 

DOUBLE  D’AUTOMNE.  Lond.  iicrt.  cat.  Lind. 

Double  Autumnal. 

“ Fruit  middle-sized,  in  the  form  of  a Bergamot,  handsomely 
rounded,  without  angles,  and  tapering  towards  the  stalk.  Eye 
small,  open  with  very  short  segments  of  the  calyx,  sunk  in  a 
handsome,  round,  shallow  basin.  Stalk  three  quarters  of  an 
inch  long,  inserted  in  a small  oblique,  slightly-lipped  cavity. 
Skin  an  entire  cinnamon  russet,  through  which  a little  green 


196 


PEARS. 


appears,  the  whole  covered  with  numerous  light  gray  specks. 
Flesh  white  breaking,  a little  gritty,  but  mellow.  Juice 
saccharine,  very  excellent,  with  a little  perfume.  Ripe  the  end 
of  October,  and  good  all  November.  A very  handsome  new 
pear,  and  very  excellent  when  in  perfection.” — Lind, 

ELTON.  Pb.  cat.  Loxd.  hjrt.  tiiaas.  Lixd. 

“Fruit  middle-sized,  of  an  oval  figure,  a little  broader 
towards  the  crown.  Eye  very  small,  nearly  free  from  the 
segments  of  the  calyx,  and  very  slightly  imbedded.  Stalk 
rather  stout,  straight  and  deeply  inserted.  Skin  of  a greenish 
russetty  gray,  with  numerous  specks  of  a darker  russet,  and 
tinged  with  orange  on  the  sunny  side,  which  is  generally 
towards  the  stalk,  as  the  fruit  is  mostly  pendent,  from  the 
extremities  of  the  branches.  Flesh  crisp  when  in  perfection, 
and  of  an  excellent  flavour  ; but  will  be  mealy  if  kept  too  long 
upon  the  tree.  Ripe  the  middle  of  September,  and  by  gather- 
ing at  difierent  times,  may  be  kept  five  weeks.  Its  season 
generally  terminates  with  the  commencement  of  the  Autumn 
Bergamot.  In  18 J2,  the  original  tree  about  one  hundred  and 
seventy  years  of  age,  was  standing  in  an  orchard  in  the  parish 
of  Elton,  in  Herefordshire,  from  whence  it  received  its  name 
from  Mr.  Knight,  who  thinks  it  may  remain  in  health  three 
centuries,  as  it  is  now  in  a very  vigorous  state  of  growth.  It 
is  much  better  as  an  open  standard,  than  if  cultivated  against 
a wall.” — Lind. 

MOORFOWL  EGG.  Pr.  cat.  Load.  hort.  cat.  Lind. 

“ Fruit  rather  small,  of  a globular  ovate  figure,  abruptly 
tapering  from  the  middle,  both  to  the  crown  and  to  the  stalk, 
about  two  inches  and  three  quarters  deep,  and  the  same  in 
diameter.  Eye  small,  open,  with  a short,  slender,  strigose 
calyx,  placed  in  a rather  narrow  and  shallow  basin.  Stalk 
one  inch  and  a half  long,  slightly  inserted  by  the  side  of  a 
small  elongated  lip.  Skin  pale  yellow,  mixed  with  green,  and 
tinged  on  the  sunny  side  with  a lively  orange-brown,  inter- 
spersed with  numerous  minute  russetty  spots.  Flesh  yellowish 


PEARS. 


197 


white,  a little  gritty,  but  tender  and  mellow.  Juice  sugary, 
with  a slight  perfume.  Ripe  the  end  of  September,  and  will 
keep  two  or  three  weeks.  This  is  a Scotch  variety,  and  par- 
takes something  of  the  Swan’s  Egg.  It  is  a desirable  and 
hardy  fruit.” — Lind. 

ALEXANDRE  DE  RUSSIE.  Pr.  cat.  Lond.  hort.  cat.  Lind. 

Poire  Alexandre. 

“ Fruit  above  the  middle  size,  somewhat  obliquely  pyramidal, 
with  a very  uneven  knobby  surface,  about  three  inches  and  a 
half  long,  and  two  inches  and  three  quarters  in  diameter.  Eye 
open,  with  short  narrow  segments  of  the  calyx,  placed  in  a 
shallow,  narrow  plaited,  hollow.  Stalk  half  an  inch  long, 
thick,  almost  horizontally  inserted  under  an  elongated  knobby 
lip.  Skin  greenish  yellow,  but  almost  wholly  covered  with 
a cinnamon  gray  russet.  Flesh  almost  white,  gritty,  but  tender 
and  mellow.  Juice  saccharine,  with  a slight  musky  perfume. 
Ripe  the  beginning  and  middle  of  October,  but  will  not  keep 
more  than  two  or  three  weeks.  This  is  a very  fine  Bonchre- 
tien-shaped  variety,  which  has  been  lately  raised  in  Flanders, 
and  sent  to  the  Horticultural  Society,  in  whose  garden,  it  in 
1830,  produced  some  uncommonly  fine  fruit  upon  an  open 
standard,  from  which  this  description  is  taken.” — Lind. 

AUTUMN  COLMAR.  Lind.  Hort.  card.  col. 

Bcurr6  Colmar  d^automne  ? Colmar  d'automne  ? 

“ Fruit  middle-sized,  oblong,  its  shape  that  of  a Colmar,  but 
irregular  in  its  outline,  about  three  inches  long,  and  two  inches 
and  a half  in  diameter.  Eye  small,  with  a short  converging 
calyx,  slightly  sunk  in  an  uneven  depression.  Stalk  an  inch 
long,  straight,  inserted  in  a small  uneven  cavity.  Skin  pale 
yellowq  sprinkled  with  russetty  specks,  which  become  broader 
on  the  sunny  side  and  spread  into  a thin  russet.  Flesh  rather 
gritty  but  mellow,  with  a sugary  and  slightly  perfumed  juice. 
Ripe  the  beginning  of  October,  but  will  not  keep  more  than 
two  or  three  weeks  in  perfection.  This  is  another  of  the  new 
Flemish  pears,  grown  in  the  Horticultural  Society’s  garden 


198 


PEARS. 


at  Chiswick,  and  bears'  extremely  well  upon  an  open 
standard. — Lind. 

BELLE  LUCRATIVE.  Pr.  cat.  Lond.  hort.  cat.  Lind. 

Fondante  d'automne,  Lond.  Hort.  Cat. 

Fruit  middle-sized,  round  in  its  outline,  tapering  to  the 
stalk,  and  a little  uneven  in  its  surface,  about  three  inches 
deep,  and  two  inches  and  three  quarters  in  diameter.  Eye 
open,  with  a very  short  calyx,  in  a shallow  rather  oblique 
impression.  Stalk  an  inch  long,  strong,  curved,  inserted  in  a 
very  narrow,  oblique,  shallow  cavity.  Skin  pale  yellow,  mixed 
with  green,  slightly  russetted.  Flesh  a little  gritty,  but  very 
soft,  mellow,  and  tender.  Juice  abundant,  sugary,  with  a 
slight  musky  perfume.  Ripe  the  beginning  and  middle  of 
October,  but  will  not  keep  above  two  or  three  weeks.  Another 
of  the  new  Flemish  pears,  grown  in  the  Horticultural  Society’s 
garden  at  Chiswick,  on  an  open  standard.  It  is  good  an4 
liandsome.” — Lind. 

BEURRE  KXOX.  Pk.  cat.  Lond.  hort.  cat.  Lind. 

\ 

Knox  Bcurrc. 

“Fruit  above  the  middle  size,  oblong,  in  form  somewhat 
like  the  Brown  Beurre,  about  three  inches  and  a quarter  long, 
and  two  inches  and  three  quaters  in  diameter.  Eye  small, 
open,  in  a very  narrow  shallow  depression.  Stalk  an  inch 
long,  crooked  diagonally  inserted  under  a short,  knobby 
elongated  lip.  Skin  pale  green,  with  a little  thin  brownish- 
gray  russet  on  the  sunny  side.  Flesh  a little  gritty,  but  mellow. 
Juice  saccharine,  but  without  any  peculiar  flavour.  Ripe 
the  middle  and  end  of  October,  and  will  keep  a few  weeks  in 
perfection.  Another  of  the  newly  raised  Flemish  pears,  grown 
in  the  Horticultural  Society’s  garden  at  Chiswick,  upon  an 
open  standard.” — Lind. 

BEZY  VAET.  Pr.  cat.  Lond.  hort.  trans.  Lind. 

Bezy  waat. 

“ Fruit  somewhat  of  the  shape  of  a Swan’s  egg,  but  larger. 
Eye  a little  sunk.  Stalk  an  inch  long.  Skin  dull  green, 


PEARS. 


199 


covered  with  russetty  spots.  Flesh  yellowish,  perfectly  melt- 
ing, remarkably  sweet,  and  very  agreeably  perfumed.  Ripe 
in  November,  and  will  keep  a month  or  more.  Raised  by  M. 
Parmentier,  at  Engbien,  and  exhibited  at  the  Horticultural 
Society  in  1820.” — Lind. 

BISHOP’S  THUMB.  Pr.  cat.  Lond.  hort.  cat.  Lind. 

“Fruit  long,  rather  slender,  slightly  tapering  from  the  crown 
to  the  stalk,  having  an  irregular  and  slightly  knobby  outline, 
in  the  manner  of  the  Calebash,  about  three  inches  and  three 
quarters  long,  and  two  inches  in  diameter.  Eye  small,  open, 
with  slender  segments  of  the  calyx,  slightly  sunk  in  an  uneven 
hollow.  Stalk  one  inch  and  a half  long,  slender,  recurved, 
and  obliquely  inserted  in  a two-lipped  cavity.  Skin  dark 
green,  almost  wholly  covered  with  an  iron-coloured  russet,  on 
the  sunny  side  of  a dark  rufous  brown,  thickly  sprinkled  with 
gray  russetty  dots.  Flesh  greenish  yellow,  melting,  with  an 
abundance  of  rich,  saccharine,  high  flavoured  juice.  Ripe  the 
middle  to  the  end  of  October.  A very  excellent  pear,  although 
its  figure  is  far  from  being  handsome.  Decidedly  distinct  from 
Calebash.” — Lind. 

BONCHRETIEN  FONDANTE.  Lond.  hort.  cat.  Lind. 

Melting  BonclirHien. 

“ Fruit  above  the  middle  size,  oblong,  with  a pretty  regular 
outline,  about  three  inches  and  a half  long,  and  two  inches  and 
three  quarters  in  diameter.  Eye  small,  with  a closed  calyx, 
slightly  sunk  in  'a  narrow  and  pretty  regular  hollow.  Stalk 
three  quarters  of  an  inch  long,  rather  stout,  curved,  and  slightly 
inserted  in  a narrow  round  cavity.  Skin  pale  green,  a good 
part  of  which  is  covered  with  a deep  cinnamon  russet,  thickly 
sprinkled  with  light-coloured  russetty  specks.  Flesh  yellowish 
white,  a little  gritty,  but  rich  and  buttery,  and  full  of  a highly 
saccharine  rich-flavoured  juice.  Ripe  the  end  of  October,  and 
will  keep  a month.  This  most  excellent  pear  is  also  a newly 
raised  Flemish  variety,  grown  in  the  Horticultural  Society’s 
garden  at  Chiswick,  on  an  open  standard.” — Lind. 


200 


PEARS. 


DARIMONT.  Lond.  hort.  cat.  Lind. 

“Fruit  middle-sized,  oblong,  in  some  specimens  slightly 
pyramidal,  tapering  a little  towards  the  stalk,  about  three 
inches  long,  and  two  inches  and  a quarter  in  diameter.  Eye 
small,  open,  the  segments  of  the  calyx  generally  falling  off 
before  the  fruit  is  fully  grown,  placed  in  a very  narrow  shal- 
low depression,  and  surrounded  by  a few  slightly  radiated 
plaits.  Stalk  three  quarters  of  an  inch  long,  inserted  in  a 
small  uneven  cavity,  sometimes  obliquely  inserted  under  a 
small  elongated  lip.  Skin  a complete  yellowish  gray  russet, 
sprinkled  with  numerous  scabrous  specks.  Flesh  white,  gritty, 
but  melting,  with  a saccharine,  slightly  musky,  and  somewhat 
astringent  juice.  Ripe  the  end  of  September  and  beginning 
of  October.  This  is  another  of  the  new  Flemish  pears,  grown 
in  the  Horticultural  Garden  at  Chiswick,  upon  an  open  stand- 
ard.”— Lind. 

DILLEN.  Pe.  cat.  Lond.  hort.  teaks.  Lind. 

Gros  Dillen.  Lond.  Hort.  cat.  and  of  other  catalogues. 

“ Fruit  ovate,  irregularly  turbinate,  about  three  inches  and 
a half  long,  and  nearly  three  inches  in  diameter.  Eye  flat. 
Stalk  short  and  thick.  Skin  yellowish  green,  slightly  speckled 
with  brow  n.  Flesh  white,  with  a slight  musky  flavour,  and 
very  little  core.  Ripe  early  in  October,  and  will  keep  a few 
weeks.  A fine  buttery  pear  of  the  first  order,  and  very  hand- 
some. It  was  received  by  the  Horticultural  Society  from  Dr. 
Van  Mons,  of  Brussels,  in  1817.” — Lind, 

DOYENNE  PANACHE.  Pr.  cat.  Lond.  hort.  teaks.  Lind.. 

Striped  Doyenne.  Pr.  cat. 

“Fruit  in  form  the  same  as  the  Gray  Doyenne,  but  tapers 
a little  more  towards  the  stalk.  Skin  a bright,  clear  yellow, 
faintly  striped  w'ith  green  and  red,  and  sprinkled  all  over  with 
small  russetty  brown  dots.  Flesh  white,  melting,  sweet,  and 
very  agreeable,  but  is  not  so  high-flavoured  as  the  Gray  Doy- 
enne. In  eating  from  October  till  Christmas.” — Lind. 


PEARS. 


201 


DOYENNE  SANTELETE.  Lond.  iiort.  cat.  Lind. 

“ Fruit  above  middle  size,  pyramidally  oblong,  not  much 
unlike  a Chaumontelle  in  shape,  but  narrow  at  the  crown,  and 
more  compressed  towards  the  stalk  ; about  three  inches  and  a 
half  long,  and  two  inches  and  a half  in  diameter.  Eye  small, 
open,  and  a very  short  strigose  calyx,  slightly  sunk  in  a narrow 
obtusely  angular  hollow.  Stalk  an  inch  long  or  more,  curved, 
very  slightly  inserted,  sometimes  a little  obliquely,  in  a narrow 
base.  Skin  pale  green,  thinly  covered  with  detached  specks 
of  gray  russet,  which  are  more  numerous  around  the  stalk. 
Flesh  white,  a little  gritty,  but  tender.  jJuice  saccharine,  with 
a slight  musky  perfume.  Ripe  the  beginning  of  October,  and 
will  keep  till  the  end.  This  is  a very  fine  handsome  pear 
from  Flanders,  grown  in  the  Horticultural  Society’s  garden  at 
Chiswick  upon  an  open  standard.” — Lind. 

GENDESEIM.  Lond.  iiort.  cat.  Lind. 

Fruit  middle  size,  pyramidal,  a little  uneven  in  its  outline, 
about  three  inches  and  a quarter  deep,  and  two  inches  and  a 
half  in  diameter.  Eye  small,  father  open,  in  a narrow,  shallow 
depression.  Stalk  an  inch  long,  crooked,  diagonally  inserted, 
under  a large,  curved,  elongated  lip,  and  slightly  covered  with 
thin  patches  of  gray  russet.  Flesh  a little  gritty,  but  mellow, 
and  full  of  saccharine,  rich,  and  slightly  musky  juice.  Ripe 
the  end  of  September  and  beginning  of  October.  This  is 
another  of  the  new  Flemish  pears  which  is  grown  in  the  Hor- 
ticultural Garden  at  Chiswick,  upon  an  open  standard.” 

Lind. 

HACON’S  INCOMPxVRABLE.  Lind. 

“Fruit  middle-sized,  somewhat  turbinate,  and  a little  irregu- 
lar in  its  outline,  occasioned  by  one  or  two  slightly  protube- 
rent  angles  near  its  crown  ; about  two  inches  and  a half  deep, 
and  three  inches  in  diameter.  Eye  small,  open  ; segments  of 
the  calyx,  short  and  narrow,  slightly  sunk  in  a rather  wide, 
uneven  depression.  Stalk  an  inch  long,  rather  stout,  inserted 
VOL.  II.  26 


202 


PEARS. 


in  a somewliat  lipped  and  rather  deep  cavity.  Skin  rugose, 
pale  yellow,  or  yellowish  white,  a good  deal  mixed  with 
green,  and  partially  covered  with  a grayish  orange  russet, 
particularly  round  the  stalk.  Flesh  yellowish  white,  slightly 
■gritty,  but  very  buttery  and  melting.  Juice  abundant,  very 
saccharine,  extremely  rich,  and  possessing  a high,  musky,  and 
perfumed  flavour.  In  perfection  in  November  and  December. 
This  very  valuable  and  excellent  pear  was  raised  by  Mr. 
James  Gent  Hacon,  of  Downhara  Market,  in  Norfolk,  from  a 
seed  that  is  called  in  that  neighbourhood,  Rayner^s  Norfolk. 
The  tree  is  an  open  standard,  about  sixteen  years  old,  and  six- 
teen feet  high,  with  pendulous  branches,  which  reach  nearly 
to  the  ground.  It  bears  most  abundantly,  and  may  be  justly 
considered  one  of  the  best  pears  ever  raised  in  this  country. 
It  was  exhibited  at  a meeting  of  the  Horticultural  Society  in 
Norwich  on  the  17th  November,  1830,  when  it  obtained  the 
silver  medal  as  a prize.” — Lind. 

HAZEL.  Pr.  cat.  Loxd.  iiort.  trans.  Lind. 

“Fruit  rather  small,  oval,  somewhat  turbinate,  about  two 
inches  long,  and  one  inch  and  a half  in  diameter.  Eye  small, 
with  a short  acute  cal3i'x,  placed  in  a rather  shallow  basin. 
Stalk  an  inch  long,  obliquely  inserted.  Skin  yellowish,  very 
much  freckled.  Flesh  nearl}^  white,  with  a ver}-  pleasant  and 
agreeable  juice.  Ripe  the  end  of  October,  and  will  keep  a 
few  weeks  only.  It  is  uncertain  where  this  pear  originated. 
It  is  now  extensively  cultivated  in  the  Scotch  nurseries  ; and 
for  its  early  bearing  and  abundant  produce  it  is  by  them  highly 
esteemed.” — Lind. 

HENRY  THE  FOURTH.  Pr.  cat.  Lind. 

Henri  quatre.  Lond.  Hort.  cat.  Pr.  cat.,  26th  ed. 

“Fruit  below  the  middle  size,  pyramidal  and  somewhat 
oblique  at  the  crown,  about  three  inches  long,  and  two  inches 
and  a quarter  broad.  Eye  small,  open,  with  a short  slender 
calyx,  slightly  sunk  in  a narrow,  shallow,  oblique  depression. 


PEARS. 


203 


Stalk  an  inch  long,  crooked,  curved,  obliquely  inserted  under 
a small  elongated  lip.  Skin  pale  yellow,  mixed  with  green  ; 
on  the  sunny  side  of  an  orange-brown,  and  fnll  of  gray 
russelty  specks,  which  are  the  more  numerous  as  they  approach 
the  crown.  Flesh  pale  yellow,  a little  gritty,  but  very  tender 
and  melting.  Juice  abundant,  highly  saccharine,  with  a slight 
musky  perfume.  Ripe  the  end  of  September,  and  will  keep  a 
few  weeks  only.  This  is  a very  excellent  dessert  pear,  and  is 
grown  in  the  Horticultural  Garden  at  Chiswick  upon  an  open 
standard.” — Lind. 

INCOMMUNICABLE.  Lond.  iiort.  cat.  Lind.  , 

L Tncommunicahle.  Lond.  Hort.  trans. 

“ Fruit  above  the  middle  size,  pyramidal,  and  compressed 
towards  the  stalk,  about  three  inches  and  a half  long,  and  two 
inches  and  a half  in  diameter.  Eye  small,  closed  by  a very 
short  slender  calyx,  and  placed  in  a very  slight  narrow  depres- 
sion. Stalk  half  an  inch  long,  stout,  bent,  diagonally  inserted 
beneath  a small  elongated  lip.  Skin  pale  grass-green,  thickly 
sprinkled  with  small  gray  russetty  specks.  Flesh  yellowish 
white,  tinged  near  the  cone  with  a slight  shade  of  orange 
colour,  a little  gritty,  but  melting.  Juice  saccharine,  with  a 
slight  musky  perfume.  Ripe  the  middle  to  the  end  of  October. 
It  is  difficult  to  conceive  the  origin  of  this  singular  name.  It 
has  been  attached  to  one  of  those  newly  raised  Flemish  varie- 
ties which  bear  so  well  and  so  regularly  in  the  Horticultura 
Garden  at  Chiswick  upon  open  standards.” — Lind. 

KEIZER.  Lond.  iiort.  cat.  Lind. 

“Fruit  middle-sized,  turbinate,  gradually  tapering  from  the 
middle  to  the  stalk,  about  three  inches  deep,  and  two  inches 
and  a half  in  diameter.  Eye  small,  with  very  short  erect 
segments  of  the  calyx  placed  in  a very  narrow  depression. 
Stalk  three  quarters  of  an  inch  long,  thick,  and  woody.  Skin 
pale  green,  becoming  yellowish  green,  thickly  sprinkled  with 
small  gray  russetty  specks,  and  russetty  round  the  stalk.  Flesh 


204 


i'EARS 


greenish  white,  a little  gritty,  but  melting.  Juice  saccharine, 
without  any  peculiar  flavour.  Ripe  the  middle  of  October, 
and  will  keep  some  weeks.  This  is  also  another  of  those  hardy 
pears  which  bear  so  plentifully  upon  an  open  standard  in  the 
Horticultural  Garden  at  Chiswick.” — Lind. 

NAPOLEON.  Pr.  cat.  Hort.  tratss.  Pom.  mag.  Lind. 

Medaille.  Lond.  Hort.  cat.  Lind. 

“ Fruit  large,  the  form  of  a Colmar,  angular  about  the  eye^ 
a good  deal  contracted  in  the  middle,  about  three  inches  and 
three  quarters  long,  and  three  inches  in  diameter.  Eye  small, 
with  a connivent  calyx,  a little  depressed.  Stalk  half  an  inch 
long,  thick,  straight;  in  some  specimens  diagonally  inserted 
under  a large,  elongated,  curved  lip.  Skin  smooth,  bright 
green,  in  which  state  it  remains  for  some  time  after  the  fruit  is 
gathered  ; it  Anally  changes  to  a pale  green,  when  the  flesh 
becomes  very  melting,  with  a most  unusual  abundance  of  rich 
agreeable  juice.  Ripe  the  middle  of  November,  and  remains 
in  perfection  several  days.  This  succeeds  equally  well  upon 
the  pear  and  the  quince.  The  Napoleon  pear  is  an  excellent 
variety,  raised  by  Dr.  Van  Mons  at  Louvain,  and  thence  sent 
to  this  country  in  1816.  It  is  a profuse  bearer  upon  an  east 
or  west  wall  ; it  also  succeeds  as  an  open  dwarf  grafted  upon 
the  quince,  and  as  a common  standard.” — Lind. 

NEW  BRIDGE.  Lond.  iiort.  cat.  Lind. 

“Fruit  below  the  middle  size,  of  a turbinate  figure,  about 
two  inches  and  three  quarters  long,  and  two  inches  and  a half 
in  diameter.  Eye  small,  with  a short  slender  calyx.  Crown 
flat,  not  depressed.  Stalk  an  inch  long,  a little  obliquely 
inserted.  Skin  dull  gray,  covered  with  thin  gray  russet,  and 
of  a light,  lively,  shining  brown  on  the  sunny  side.  Flesh 
melting,  a little  gritty,  with  a sugary  juice,  but  without  any 
peculiar  flavour.  Ripe  the  end  of  September  and  beginning 
of  October,  and  will  not  keep  longer  than  a few  weeks.  This 
is  another  of  the  new  hardy  pears  which  are  produced  upon 


PEARS. 


*205 


open  standards  in  the  Horticultural  Garden  at  Chiswick.” — 
Lind, 

POIRE  DE  LOUVAINE.  Pr.  cat.  Lond.  hort.  cat.  LilVd. 

Bezi  de  Louvain  1 

Fruit  middle-sized,  pyramidal,  uneven  on  its  surface, 
three  inches  long,  and  three  inches  and  a half  in  diameter. 
Eye  small,  closed  with  small  short  segments  of  the  calyx,  sunk 
in  a narrow  hollow.  Stalk  half  an  inch  long,  curved,  obliquely 
inserted.  Skin  dull  green,  mixed  with  yellow',  full  of  russetty 
spots,  and  a little  russetted  round  the  eye.  Flesh  very  tender, 
slightly  gritty,  and  full  of  a rich,  very  saccharine,  musky  juice. 
Ripe  the  beginning  of  October,  and  fine  till  the  end.  This 
is  a very  excellent  pear,  and  one  of  those  cultivated  in  the 
Horticultural  Garden  at  Chiswick  as  an  open  standard.  It 
highly  deserves  cultivation.” — Lind. 

POIRE  NEILL.  Loxd.  hort.  cat.  Liad. 

“ Fruit  large,  pyramidally  turbinate,  generally  a little  flat- 
tened on  its  opposite  sides,  and  tapering  to  the  stalk.  In 
some  specimens  the  outer  side  is  considerably  more  elongated 
than  the  inner  one  next  the  branch  on  which  it  grows,  nearly 
four  inches  long,  and  three  inches  and  a half  in  diameter.  Eye 
open,  rather  deeply  sunk  in  an  irregular  hollow.  Stalk  three 
quarters  of  an  inch  long,  obliquely  inserted  in  a narrow  uneven 
cavity.  Skin  pale  yellow,  intermixed  with  green,  a good  deal 
mottled  and  marked  with  thin  gray  russet.  Flesh  white,  a 
little  gritty,  but  soft  and  mellow,  abounding  with  a saccharine 
and  slightly  musky  juice.  Ripe  the  beginning  of  October, 
and  good  to  the  end.  This  very  fine  and  handsome  pear  is 
one  of  those  lately  introduced  from  Flanders  into  the  Horti- 
cultural Garden  at  Chiswick,  where  it  is  grown  as  an  open 
standard.” — Lind. 

RICHE  DEPOUILLE.  Pr.  cat.  Load.  hort.  trans.  Lind. 

Riche  d^Apoie.  Lond.  Hort.  trans. 

“ Fruit  somewhat  resembling  the  Saint  Germain  in  shape 
and  size,  and  tapering  considerably  towards  the  stalk.  Eye 


20G 


PEARS. 


prominent.  Stalk  one  inch  and  a half  long,  rather  thick. 
Skin  of  a clear  citron  yellow,  with  a slight  tinge  of  bright  red 
on  the  sunny  side,  a little  mottled  with  russet,  and  rough  like 
the  skin  of  an  orange.  Flesh  white,  melting,  not  perfumed, 
but  sweet  and  very  pleasant.  Ripe  in  the  autumn  and  winter 
months.  This  succeeds  on  both  the  pear  and  the  quince. 
Raised  some  years  ago  on  the  continent,  and  was  brought 
into  this  country  under  the  name  of  Riche  d’Apoie.” — Lind, 

URBANISTE.  Pr.  cat.  Lond.  hort.  traxs.  Lind. 

“Fruit  pyramidally  ovate,  very  even  in  form,  but  compressed 
towards  the  stalk  ; about  three  inches  and  a half  long,  and  two 
inches  and  'three  quarters  in  diameter.  Eye  a little  sunk  in  a 
very  narrow  crow  n.  Stalk  an  inch  long,  obliquely  inserted  in  a 
moderately  deep  cavity.  Skin  pale  green  inclining  to  yellow, 
profusely  sprinkled  with  greenish  specks,  with  small  patches  of 
gray  russet  dispersed  over  its  whole  surface,  but  more  particu- 
. larly  round  the  eye  and  the  stalk.  Flesh  white  towards  the 
outside,  but  deepens  to  a reddish  3'ellow  next  the  core,  which 
is  large,  and  po’ssesses  a small  quantity  of  grit;  it  is,  never- 
theless, quite  melting,  juicy,  and  very  sw’eet,  with  a little 
perfume.  Ripe  the  end  of  September  and  the  beginning  of 
October.  Raised  by  the  Count  de  Coloma,  of  Malines,  and 
specimens  of  the  fruit  w^ere  exhibited  at  the  Horticultural 
Society  from  that  gentleman  in  1823.” — Lind, 

FLEMISH  BONCHRETIEN.  Lind. 

Bon  ClirHien  nouvelle  espece.  Hort.  Gard.  col. 

“ Fruit  large,  oblong,  turbinate,  tapering  tow^ards  the  stalk, 
where  it  is  slightly  compressed;  about  four  inches  and  a half 
long,  and  three  inches  and  a half  in  diameter.  Eye  open, 
with  a very  short  calyx,  sunk  in  a rather  shallow,  round,  even 
depression.  Stalk  one  inch  and  a half  long,  embossed  next 
the  fruit,  a little  curved,  and  obliquely  inserted  under  an 
elongated  single  or  double  lip ; in  some  specimens  wliich  are 
more  conical,  the  stalk  is  direct  and  straight,  and  not  obliquely 


PEARS. 


207 


inserted.  Skin  green,  becoming  yellow,  thickly  sprinkled  with 
gray  russetty  specks,  and  which  form  a mottled  russet  on  the 
sunny  side.  Flesh  yellowish  white,  breaking,  a little  gritty, 
but  becoming  mellow  when  matured.  Juice  saccharine,  with 
a slight  musky  perfume.  In  eating  the  beginning  of  November 
till  the  middle  or  end  of  January.  It  succeeds  very  well 
upon  the  quince  stock.  This  very  fine  pear  has  lately  been 
raised  in  Flanders,  and  sent  to  the  Horticultural  Society  of 
London,  in  whose  garden  at  Chiswick  it  (in  1830)  produced 
some  uncommonly  fine  fruit  upon  an  open  standard,  from 
which  this  description  was  taken.” — Lind. 

GLOUT  MORCEAU.  Pr.  cat.  Lond.  hort.  cat.  Lind. 

Gloux  Morceaii.  Lond.  Hort.  trans. 

“Fruit  very  like  the  Beurre  d’Aremberg,  but  largery  more 
oval,  not  so  turbinate  in  its  shape,  about  four  inches  long, 
and  three  inches  and  a half  in  diameter.  Eye  small,  deeply 
sunk  in  an  uneven  oblique  hollow.  Stalk  an  inch  long, 
rather  deeply  inserted  in  an  oblique  cavity.  Skin  pale,  dull 
olive-green,  a little  inclined  to  yellow,  and  covered  with  nu- 
merous gray  russetty  specks,  with  russetty  blotches  round  the 
stalk.  Flesh  whitish,  firm,  very  juicy,  but  a little  gritty  at 
the  core.  Ripe  in  November,  but  will  keep  till  February  or 
March.  This  very  beautiful  and  fine  variety  was  sent  to  the 
Horticultural  Society  by  M.  Parmenlier,  of  Enghien,  along 
with  the  Beurre  d’Aremberg,  in  November,  1820.  It  requires 
an  east  or  southeast  wall  to  grow  it  in  perfection ; but  very 
fine  specimens  were  (in  1830)  grown  upon  open  standards,  in 
the  Horticultural  Garden  at  Chiswick,  three  inches  and  a 
half  long,  and  three  inches  in  diameter.”— 

GRUMKOWER.  LixNd. 

Grumkower  Wiiiterhirne.  Lond.  Ilort.  cat. 

“ Fruit  middle-sized,  in  shape  somewhat  like  a Bonchretien, 
having  a few  obtuse  angles  or  ribs  cxtendiitg  from  the  middle 
of  the  fruit  to  the  crown,  and  narrowed  towards  the  stalk ; 


20S 


TEARS. 


usually  about  three  inches  long,  and  two  inches  and  a quarter 
in  diameter.  Eye  narrow.  Stalk  half  an  inch  long,  inserted 
without  any  cavity.  Skin  smooth,  pale  green,  sprinkled  with 
a few  gray  specks.  Flesh  melting.  Juice  plentiful,  saccha- 
rine, with  a good  deal  of  musky  flavourr  Ripe  in  November, 
and  will  keep  till  Christmas.” — Lind. 

LENT  ST.  GERMAIN.  Loxd.  hort.  cat.  Lixn. 

Easter  Saint  Germain,  of  some  gardens. 

“ Fruit  pretty  large,  of  an  oblong  figure,  broadest  in  the 
middle,  and  tapering  to  each  extremity.  Eye  small,  and 
prominently  seated.  Stalk  an  inch  long,  slender,  obliquely 
inserted  under  an  elongated  lip.  Skin  pale  green,  full  of 
small  white  specks.  Flesh  firm  and  breaking,  with  a very 
good  flavoured  juice.  In  eating  in  March  and  April.  This, 
although  not  a high-flavoured  pear,  deserves  cultivation,  as 
it  comes  into  eating  when  most  winter  pears  are  gone.” — 
Lind. 

TILLINGTON.  Pr.  Cat.  Loxd.  hort.  traxs.  Lixd. 

“Fruit  of  the  shape  and  size  of  the  Gray  Doyenne,  but 
more  perfectly  rounded  at  the  crown ; about  two  inches  and 
three  quarters  long,  and  two  inches  and  a half  in  diameter. 
Stalk  short,  fleshy  at  its  insertion.  Skin  dull  green  on  its 
shaded  side,  but  of  a dull  brick-dust  red  where  exposed  to  the 
sun,  the  whole  a good  deal  russetted.  Flesh  white,  nearly 
buttery,  with  a little  grit  at  the  core,  particularly  rich  and 
sweet,  though  not  very  juicy.  Ripe  the  middle  of  November, 
and  will  keep  a considerable  time  without  spoiling.  This 
hardy  pear,  for  orchard  purposes,  w as  raised  from  the  seed  of 
an  autumn  Bergamot,  the  blossom  of  which  had  been  impreg- 
nated with  the  Epargne,  in  the  village  of  Tillington,  near 
Hereford.  Its  fruit  w^as  sent  to  the  Horticultural  Society  by 
Air.  Knight,  of  Dowaiton  Castle,  in  the  autumn  of  1820,  the 
first  year  of  the  tree  producing  fruit.” — Lind. 


VEARSS. 


‘i09 

BARLAND.  Pr.  cat.  Pom.  heref.  Lind. 

“ Fruit  rather  small,  of  an  oval  figure,  but  broadest  towards 
the  crown.  Eye  prominent,  and  the  segments  of  the  calyx 
nearly  erect.  Stalk  half  an  inch  long,  slender.  Skin  dull 
green,  russetted  with  a muddy  gray.  Specific  gravity  of  its 
juice  1070.  The  Barland  pear  appears  to  have  been  exten- 
sively cultivated  prior  to  the  publication  of  Evelyn’s  Pomona, 
in  1674,  and  many  hogsheads  of  its  perry  are  yet  made 
annually  in  Herefordshire  and  the  adjoining  counties,  in  a 
productive  season.  It  may  be  mixed  in  considerable  quantity 
with  new  port,  without  its  taste  becoming  perceptible.  It  sells 
well  while  new  to  the  merchants ; and  as  it  is  comparatively 
cheap,  it  probably  forms  one  of  the  ingredients  employed  in 
the  adulteration  of  this  wine.  The  original  tree  grew  in  a 
field  called  the  Bare  Lands,  in  the  parish  of  Bosbury,  in 
Herefordshire,  whence  the  variety  obtained  its  name,  and  was 
blown  down  a few  years  previous  to  1811.” — Lind, 

HOLMORE.  Pr.  cat.  Pom.  heref.  Lind. 

Holiner.  Holmar.  Netv  Holmar. 

“Fruit  small,  globular,  frequently  growing  in  clusters  of 
three  and  four  together,  with  a very  stiff,  half-closed  calyx. 
Stalk  short  and  thick.  Skin  muddy,  yellowish  olive-green, 
thickly  reticulated,  with  a thin  epidermis,  and  tinged  with  a 
fine  red  on  the  sunny  side.  Specific  gravity  of  its  juice  1066. 
The  original  tree,  in  1811  was  growing  in  a hedge,  on  the 
estate  of  Charles  Cooke,  Esq.  of  the  Moor,  in  the  parish  of 
Holmore,  between  Hereford  and  Leominster,  and  appeared 
then  to  be  seventy  or  eighty  years  old.  The  young  trees  are 
very  productive,  and  the  perry  Is  of  excellent  quality.” — Lind, 

HUFFCAP.  Pom.  heref.  Lind. 

“ Fruit  middle-sized,  oval,  somewhat  broader  at  the  crown, 
and  drawn  towards  the  stalk.  Eye  with  the  segments  of  the 
calyx  slender  and  pointed.  Stalk  long,  irregular  in  its  thick- 

VOT..  II.  27 


210 


PEARS. 


ness,  and  curved,  having  now  and  then  a small  leaf  growing 
upon  Its  lower  part  next  the  branch.  Skin  pale  green,  marked 
with  gray  russet.  Specific  gravity  of  its  juice  about  1070. 
There  are  several  varieties  of  the  Huficap  pear  in  Hereford- 
shire, such  as  the  Brown,  Red,  and  Yellow  ; but  this  is  by 
far  the  most  deserving  of  cultivation.  Its  perry  is  rich,  strong, 
and  said  to  be  very  intoxicating.  It  is  of  great  excellence.”— 
Lind. 

LOXGLAND.  Pjm.  heref.  Lixd. 

“ Fruit  very  handsome,  not  much  unlike  the  Swan’s  Egg 
in  shape,  except  being  broader  towards  the  crown.  Eye 
somewhat  large,  with  a converging  calyx.  Stalk  short,  stiff, 
and  inserted  into  an  unequal  base.  Skin  bright  gold  colour, 
tinged  and  mottled  all  over  with  a russetty,  lively  orange. 
Specific  gravity  of  its  Juice  1063.  The  tree  of  this  sort  grows 
handsome  and  upright.  It  is  hardy  when  in  blossom,  and 
consequently  an  abundant  bearer.  The  name  of  Longland  is 
supposed  to  have  been  derived  from  the  field  in  which  the 
original  tree  grew.” — Lind. 

OLDFIELD.  Pr.  cat.  Pom.  heref.  Lind. 

“ Fruit  below  the  middle  size,  turbinate,  somewhat  narrowed 
at  the  crown.  Eye  small,  converging.  Stalk  half  an  inch 
long,  slender.  Skin  pale  green,  spotted  and  marbled  wfitb 
a darker  colour,  and  intermixed  with  a thin  gray  russet. 
Specific  gravity  of  its  juice  1067.  The  perry  produced  from 
this  pear  is  excellent;  and  from  its  being  a very  hardy  tree, 
and  an  abundant  bearer,  is  more  extensively  planted  in  Here- 
fordshire and  the  adjoining  counties  than  any  other  pear.  Its 
name  is  believed  to  have  originated  from  an  inclosure  called 
the  Old  Field,  near  Ledbury,  a noted  place  for  the  finest 
perry.” — Lind. 

TEINTON  SQUASH.  Pr.  cat.  Pom.  heref.  Lind. 

Taunton  Squash.  Squash. 

“Fruit  middle-sized,  of  angular  shape,  somewhat  like  that 
of  a Bergamot,  but  more  tapering  at  the  stalk.  Crown  even. 


PEARS. 


211 


divisions  of  the  calyx  spreading.  Stalk  half  an  inch  long, 
slender.  Skin  a muddy,  russetty  green,  marbled  on  the  sunny 
side  with  a pale  brown  or  dull  orange,  interspersed  with  a few 
ash-coloured  specks.  Specific  gravity  of  its  juice  not  men- 
tioned. Its  name  of  Teinton  is  supposed  to  have  originated 
from  Teinton,  in  Gloucestershire,  where  it  has  been  much 
planted.  There  are  some  very  old  trees  of  it  in  this  neigh- 
bourhood and  in  Herefordshire,  and  the  perry  they  produce  is 
of  the  very  highest  quality,  something  approaching  in  colour 
and  briskness  to  Champagne,  for  which  fine  samples  of  it  have 
sometimes  been  sold.  It  is  always  in  demand,  and  at  a high 
price;  but  from  the  great  uncertainty  of  the  crop,  the  supply 
is  very  limited.” — Lind* 

ST.  GERMAIN  BRANDES.  Van  moni. 

Pyrus  Brandesia.  Van  Mona, 

The  original  tree  of  this  new  variety  is  of  large  size  and 
pyramidal  form.  It  was  raised  from  seed  in  the  garden  of 
Dr.  Van  Mons  about  seventeen  or  eighteen  years  since,  and 
has  produced  fruit  for  the  last  thirteen  years.  The  shoots  are 
short,  slender,  feeble,  and  quite  numerous  ; the  buds  are  small, 
pointed,  and  closely  pressed  against  the  wood  ; the  leaves  are 
shining,  deep  green,  long  and  narrow  ; the  flowers  are  small, 
and  resemble  those  of  the  Doyenne.  The  fruit  is  in  form  in- 
termediate between  the  Urbaniste  and  the  St.  Germain,  and 
like  the  latter,  its  skin  is  a ruddy  green,  changing  to  yellow  at 
maturity,  its  flesh  delicate,  with  a cool  juice,  flavoured  with  vi- 
nous acidity.  It  seems  to  assimilate  so  much  to  the  St.  Ger- 
main when  that  variety  is  eaten  in  perfection,  that  it  will  serve 
admirably  as  a substitute  for  that  ancient  variety.  Dr.  Van 
Mons  named  this  fine  pear  in  honour  of  Professor  Brandes,  of 
Salzufiln. 

FREDERIC  DE  WURTEMBERG.  Van  Mons. 

Pyrus  Wurtembcrgia.  Van  Mons.  Roi  de  Wurtemherg? 

This  fruit  is  very  large,  shaped  like  a top,  and  contracted 


PEARS. 


‘2['2 


next  the  stalk  ; it  is  rounded  at  the  summit,  considerably 
swollen  at  the  middle,  and  decreases  gradually  towards  the 
stem,  where  it  terminates  in  an  acute  point.  The  skin  is 
rough,  hard,  pale  green,  with  fine  specks  of  a reddish  or  a 
russet  hue,  and  often  tinged  with  rose  colour  ; the  green 
changes  to  yellow  at  its  maturity,  which  is  abbut  the  period  of 
the  autumnal  equinox.  This  tree  is  a twice-bearing  variety, 
but  the  fruit  of  the  second  crop  only  attains  to  a third  or  a half 
of  the  usual  dimensions.  The  leaves  are  of  elliptical  form, 
smooth  on  both  sides,  with  the  edges  partially  indented  ; the 
petiole  is  long  and  slender ; the  flowers  are  large,  single  or 
semidouble,  very  fragant,  with  rounded  fringed  petals,  and  en- 
dure a long  time  before  they  fall  off  ; the  summit  of  the  sta- 
mens is  of  a bright  rose  colour.  The  tree  is  of  vigorous 
growth,  and  attains  to  lofty  dimensions.  Dr.  Van  Mons  dedi- 
cated this  superior  pear,  by  particular  request,  to  the  late  king 
Frederic  of  Wurtemberg,  and  he  also  makes  the  following 
remarks.  This  pear  has  much  affinity  to  the  Colmar,  which 
in  its  turn  has  a similitude  to  the  Passe  Colmar.  The  Syl- 
vestre  d’hiver  and  the  Colmar-Delvigne  have  also  an  affinity 
to  the  present  variety,  and  are  in  respect  to  it  what  the  Col- 
mar-epineux,  Prccel,  and  Souveraine  are  to  the  Passe  Colmar. 
All  these  varieties  are  descendants  from  the  Colmar,  and  are  its 
respective  congeners. 

FONDAXTE  DES  BOIS.  Vax  Moks. 

Boscluer.  Boschpeer.  Poire  des  hois.  Poire  de  persil. 

Peter silie-pecr.  Poire  de  Def tinge.  Beurr^  de  Def tinge. 

Dr.  Van  Mons  states  that  this  is  incontestably  a Belgian 
variety,  supposed  to  have  originated  in  the  w'oods  from  a seed 
chance  sown.  The  fruit  is  large,  nearly  round,  usually  flat- 
tened at  the  middle  of  its  summit,  and  swollen  at  the  middle 
of  the  base,  with  some  slight  protuberances,  its  greatest  diam- 
eter being  about  midway  of  its  height.  The  skin  is  rough,  ot 
a dull  green  hue,  with  large  reddish  specks,  and  next  the  sun 
acquires  a reddish  brown  colour.  The  flesh  is  white  and  deli- 
cate, enriclied  as  much  as  possible  with  sweet  juice,  and  an 


PEARS. 


213 


exquisite  flavour.  The  fruit  should  be  gathered  shortly  after 
the  skin  begins  to  change  from  green  to  yellow,  for  if  gather- 
ed too  soon,  it  rots  ; and  if  too  late,  it  becomes  soft  and  loses 
its  excellence.  The  branches  of  the  tree  are  drooping  ; the 
shoots  of  the  year  are  short  and  slender,  with  small  grayish 
spots  scattered  over  at  intervals ; the  leaves  are  oblong,  co- 
riaceous, shining,  and  nearly  as  smooth  on  one  side  as  on 
the  other,  with  numerous  small  oblique  indentures  ; the  pe- 
duncle is  entirely  woody,  curved  at  its  summit,  with  nume- 
rous furrows,  which  extend  even  on  the  end  of  the  branch  to 
which  it  is  attached,  and  its  other  extremity  is  inserted  in  a 
broad  open  cavity.  This  pear  has  an  affinity  to  the  Beurre 
Spence. 

SOVEREIGN  COLMAR.  Pr.  Cat. 

Colmar  souverain.  La  souverain.  Rejentin. 

This  tree  is  of  vigorous  growth,  but  the  branches  usually 
assume  a curved  or  drooping  direction.  The  fruit  is  of  large 
size,  and  turbinate  form,  diminishing  gradually  towards  the 
stem  ; the  skin  is  at  maturity  of  a beautiful  golden  russet  hue  ; 
the  flesh  is  delicate,  rich,  and  high  flavoured.  The  tree  pro- 
duces abundantly,  and  the  fruit  which  ripetis  in  October  and 
November  is  one  of  the  most  beautiful  in  appearance  and  de- 
licious in  quality,  and  is  highly  esteemed  by  all  who  cultivate  it. 

innominee.  Van  Mons. 

V Innominde.  Pyrus  innominata.  Van  Mons. 

The  leaves  of  this  variety  are  narrow,  pointed  at  each  ex- 
tremity, and  of  a pale  green  colour.  The  flowers  are  remark- 
ably white,  and  the  petals  rounded.  The  fruit  is  very  large, 
of  a rather  pyramidal  form,  rounded  at  the  summit,  swollen  at 
the  middle,  and  terminating  in  an  obtuse  point,  where  there  is 
a swelling  that  partially  covers  the  peduncle,  and  which  is 
thereby  pressed  towards  the  opposite  side ; the  peduncle  is 
long  and  large,  inserted  even  with  the  fruit ; the  skin  is  light 
green,  mottled  witli  pale  fawn  colour,  and  becomes  yellow  on 
some  parts  when  at  maturity.  The  flesh  is  delicate,  melting, 


214 


PEARS. 


sweet,  and  enriched  with  an  agreeable  odour.  This  fruit  at- 
tains its  maturity  between  summer  and  autumn,  and  is  not  in- 
clined to  rot. 

FULTOxN.  Pe.  Cat. 

This  native  pear  is  of  small  size,  and  of  a golden  russet  co- 
lour. When  gathered  at  the  proper  period,  which  is  a short 
time  before  its  maturity,  and  ripened  in  the  house,  the  flesh  is 
sweet,  juicy,  melting,  and  of  a delicious  flavour.  The  tree  is 
an  abundant  bearer,  and  the  fruit  is  at  maturity  in  October. 

DEARBORN’S  SEEDLING.  Mass.  Hort. 

This  pear  is  rather  under  the  medium  size,  the  skin  smooth, 
fair,  and  of  a pale  yellow  colour ; the  flesh  is  very  melting, 
and  of  excellent  flavour,  being  deemed  equal  in  this  respect  to 
the  ancient  and  delicious  White  Doyenne  or  St.  Michael.  It 
originated  from  seed  in  the  grounds  of  General  Dearborn, 
President  of  the  Massachusetts  Horticultural  Society.  Its 
period  of  maturity  is  the  month  of  September. 

CABOT. 

This  pear  was  raised  by  J.  S.  Cabot,  Esq.  of  Salem,  from 
a seed  of  the  Brown  B^urre-  It  has  a short  stem,  and  is  of 
much  smaller  size  than  its  parent,  but  resembles  it  in  shape  and 
colour,  and  has  a faint  red  cheek  on  the  side  next  the  sun. 

GREEN  WINTER  SYLVANCHE.  Pe.  Cat. 

Sylvanche  vert  d^hiver,  of  various  catalogues. 

Wlritrr  Sylvanche. 

This  is  a vigorous  growing  tree,  and  one  of  the  most  pro- 
ductive. The  fruit  is  of  good  size  and  much  excellence,  and 
as  it  is  a winter  pear,  it  will  serve  as  a most  valuable  acquisi- 
tion to  our  collection  of  fine  fruits  for  the  table,  during  that 
part  of  the  year. 

RAYMOND.  Pe.  Cat. 

This  was  raised  from  seed  by  Dr.  J.  Wight,  of  Raymond, 
Maine.  It  resembles  in  form  the  White  Doyenne,  and  is  of  a 


VEARS. 


215 


pale  yellow  colour.  It  is  deemed  of  fine  quality  and  good 
flavour,  and  ripens  in  the  month  of  August. 

WILLIAMS’S  DOUBLE  BEARING.  Pr.  Cat. 

This  variety  was  raised  in  the  garden  of  Mrs.  Williams,  of 
Salem,  Mass,  from  a seed  of  the  St.  Germain.  It  is  a large 
pear  and  resembles  its  parent,  but  is  of  rather  greater  diameter, 
and  its  skin  is  of  a lighter  shade.  The  flesh  is  of  fine  quality, 
melting,  but  not  high  flavoured.  This  tree  has  the  peculiarity 
of  producing,  as  it  were,  two  crops  ; the  fruit  of  the  first 
is  of  the  size  above  stated,  and  ripens  early  in  October,  that 
of  the  second  is  of  much  smaller  size,  and  ripens  from 
two  to  four  weeks  after. 

BLEEKER’S  MEADOW.  Pr.  Cat. 

Meadow  Pear. 

This  variety  originated  in  Pennsylvania,  and  is  said  to  be  a 
seedling  from  the  far-famed  Seckel,  which  is  highly  probable, 
as  the  tree  greatly  resembles  that  variety  in  the  appearance  of 
the  wood,  foliage,  Sic.  Its  growth,  however,  is  much  more 
rapid  and  vigorous,  and  it  will  perhaps  attain  to  double  the 
size  in  the  same  period.  The  trees  in  my  grounds  have  not 
yet  produced  fruit,  but  some  specimens  sent  from  a distance, 
and  stated  to  be  of  this  variety,  were  more  than  double  the 
size  of  the  Seckel,  and  of  a yellowish  or  russet  colour,  resem- 
bling somewhat  in  shape  a large  bergamot  pear,  not  com- 
pressed next  the  stem ; they  were  also  of  much  excellence  as 
regards  quality  and  flavour,  and  of  beautiful  appearance. 
The  period  of  its  maturity  is  the  month  of  October. 

ORANGE.  Pr.  Cat. 

This  variety  is  considerably  cultivated  in  some  parts  of 
Rhode  Island,  under  the  above  title,  where  it  is  held  in 
great  estimation.  Whether  it  is  a foreign  or  a native  varie- 
ty, is  not  yet  precisely  ascertained.  It  ripens  ten  or  twelve 
days  before  the  White  Doyenne,  and  is  more  buttery  but  less 
melting  than  that  variety,  and  inferior  to  it.  In  respect  to 


216 


PEARS. 


form,  it  is  not  as  long  a fruit  as  the  White  Doyenne,  being  be- 
tween that  and  a bergamot  pear  in  shape,  but  at  its  greatest 
diameter,  it  equals  in  size  a large  fruit  of  the  Doyenne. 

BLODGET.  Pr.  Cat. 

This  variety  was  raised  from  seed  by  Deacon  David  Blod- 
get,  late  of  Camden,  Maine.  The  original  tree  is  now  thirty- 
two  years  old,  in  a vigorous  state,  and  a good  bearer.  The 
fruit  is  of  medium  size  and  pyriform,  and  at  maturity  is  melt- 
ing, juicy,  and  of  a very  pleasant  vinous  flavour.  It  attains 
its  maturity  here  in  the  month  of  September. 

HONEY.  Pr.  Cat. 

This  variety  is  considerably  cultivated  in  the  state  of  Maine, 
and  claimed  by  some  persons  there  to  be  a native.  The  fruit 
is  under  a medium  size  ; the  flesh  melting,  very  juicy,  and  of  a 
rich,  sweet,  musky,  and  sprightly  flavor,  and  deemed  by  the 
gentleman  who  sent  it  to  me,  to  be  equal  to  the  White  Doy- 
enne. The  tree  bears  abundantly,  and  in  its  form  is  rather 
more  spreading  than  lofty.  The  period  of  maturity  is  the  be- 
ginning of  September.  I am  informed  by  Jacob  Patch,  Esq. 
of  Maine,  that  this  and  the  preceding  varieties  are  found  to 
be  exceedingly  hardy  and  well  suited  to  the  severe  climate  of 
that  state. 


ERRATA. 

PARTI.  Page  147  6th  line,  omit  “ Mogul  Summer.” 

“ “ “ 75  17th  line,  omit  “ Coxe.” 

“ “ “ 150  6th  line, /or  “ X’ovember,”  September.” 

“ " “ 175  20th and 2lst  lines,  omit  ^ “Malta,  i of  some  American  collet- 

? English  Malta?  \ tions.” 

“ “ “ 197  30th  line, /or  “greenish,”  read  “yellowish.” 

“ “ “ 57  last  line, /or  “ inches,’- read  lines. 


PART  n.  Page  22  at  27th  and  2Sth  lines,  omit  “towards  the  end  of  September,”  and 
read  “from  the  first  to  the  twelfth  of  November.” 

“ “ ‘29  13th  line,/or  “discovered, ’’read  “noticed.” 

“ “ “ S9  3d  line,  /or  “ The  form,”  read  “This  plum.” 


